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#InternationalWomensDay #AccelerateAction #WomenInMaleSpaces #CorporateShowboating #TokenEfforts #GenderEquality #UseYourPlatform #WomenEmpowerment #CelebrateWomen #GenderDiversity #WomensAchievements #NoMoreNoise #QuietReflection #RideForChange #JoyOfBiking
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International Women’s Day (IWD) is a globally recognized event that celebrates the achievements of women and advocates for gender equality. However, as someone deeply embedded in a male-dominated space, I find myself grappling with mixed feelings about the flurry of activity that surrounds this day. Back in 2017, I expressed my reservations, and those sentiments still hold true today. While the positive stories, achievements, and showcases of women on platforms like Instagram and corporate media are undeniably valuable, they often risk becoming superficial gestures—token efforts that lack genuine introspection and meaningful change.
The essence of the issue lies in the fact that true progress requires more than just one day of celebration or visibility. Without sustained action and systemic change, the efforts around IWD can feel like corporate showboating—a sticking plaster that fails to address deeper structural inequalities. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” is particularly poignant, yet it’s striking how the words I wrote in 2017 remain just as relevant today. The real question we should all be asking ourselves is not just how we celebrate women today, but what we will do tomorrow to drive tangible progress.
As a woman navigating a male-dominated industry, I understand the importance of having a platform and using it to advocate for change. The visibility of women in spaces where they are underrepresented is crucial, but it’s only the first step. What truly matters is the follow-through—the actions taken to dismantle barriers, challenge biases, and create opportunities for women to thrive. IWD serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done, and I hope it inspires individuals and organizations to move beyond performative gestures and commit to meaningful transformation.
Rather than adding to the noise with more words, I encourage everyone to take a moment of quiet reflection. Ask yourself: What can I do to “Accelerate Action”? How can I contribute to creating a more equitable future? It’s not about what happens on International Women’s Day that matters—it’s about the sustained efforts and actions that follow.
On a more personal note, I came to Singletrack with the realization that there must be more to life than endless meetings. My passion for cycling, particularly for unusual bikes, has taught me that bikes are more than just tools for transportation—they are powerful connectors that link people and places. Cycling fosters a deep connection between individuals and their environment, creates communities, and delivers freedom, joy, and improved fitness. Bikes are environmentally friendly and have the unique ability to create friendly, inclusive environments.
Through my writing, I strive to capture these transformative qualities of cycling, hoping to inspire others to discover the joy and benefits that bikes can bring. Whether it’s through advocating for gender equality or sharing the wonders of cycling, I believe in the power of small, consistent actions to drive change. As we reflect on the significance of International Women’s Day, let’s remember that the journey toward equality is ongoing, and it’s up to each of us to take meaningful steps forward.
