#IWD2021 – Choose To Challenge
International Women’s Day 2021 – Choose to Challenge
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Choose to Challenge’. It’s a call to action which we should embrace, not just for one day, but throughout 2021. While the premise of the theme is to call out and challenge inequality; Women in Tourism have interpreted the theme as a way in which we can all embrace challenges.
Dear Colleagues
This time last year, WIT welcomed fifty guests from across the industry as we gathered in the Waldorf – The Edinburgh Caledonian hotel, for a celebration of International Women’s Day 2020.
It was a moment to reflect on our passion for Scottish tourism, our hopes for the year ahead and a chance to celebrate our collective achievements on international Women’s Day. We were joined by Fergus Ewing MSP who spoke warmly about the strengths of the tourism industry and recognition of the importance of our sector to Scotland’s economy.
Just over three weeks later we all watched Prime Minister Boris Johnson announce that the UK was going into an immediate lockdown due to the fast escalation of COVID-19. We could never have imagined what the future year would entail – how many colleagues would face hardships and redundancy, and the major challenges we never thought possible.
This year the theme of International Women’s Day is ‘Choose to Challenge’. It’s a call to action which we should embrace, not just for one day, but throughout 2021. While the premise of the theme is to call out and challenge inequality; I’ve interpreted the theme as a way in which we can all embrace challenges. Challenges for ourselves; our responsibility to challenge each other, and the challenges that lie ahead.
CHALLENGING OURSELVES:
As we look to the longed-for exit from lockdown, we must continue to adapt to how we operate. From implementing new policies and procedures, to training teams and learning new skills, it’s important that we make time for ourselves. Challenge yourself to do something, just for you! Whether it’s making time to take a walk every day, steal the remote control and watch what you want on tv or ordering that book you’ve been meaning to read for months. You’re taking on new work challenges every day – make time for you.
CHALLENGE EACH OTHER:
Women In Tourism officially turns four on International Women’s Day and our longevity is fully down to the strong women across the sector who inspire and drive discussion and change. My personal request to you this #IWD2021 is to challenge me; and WIT. What can we do in the next twelve months to support you and our sector? Please do reach out to me at susan@womenintourism.co.uk.
WHAT LIES AHEAD:
The last twelve months have shown that it can be hard to plan for the future. We’re dealing with a virus that is frustrating and ever evolving. However, we need to plan. For our businesses, our teams, our suppliers, and of course, our visitors. March would normally be Scottish Tourism Month – an opportunity for our industry to come together to network, learn and debate. This year the Scottish Tourism Alliance are hosting a virtual conference, on March 24th, and I recommend you signup (for free) to hear the very latest news from our industry leaders.
We know the coming days, weeks and months will be challenging for many – we’re always here if any of the Women in Tourism Board can support you in any way. For now – #ChooseToChallenge.
Susan – Chair of Women In Tourism
