Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Women’s History Month
In 1978, the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women's Education Task Force kicked off the first “Women’s History Week” to spotlight women's vital roles in culture, history, and society. This initial celebration, filled with presentations, an essay contest, and a parade, quickly caught on worldwide, evolving into the Women’s History Month we celebrate today.
As we reach the final week of March (and of Women’s History Month), Talent Beyond Boundaries would like to take this opportunity to reflect on how our organization aspires to embody equality in action. Our mission transcends gender boundaries, championing skilled refugees and breaking down barriers of location, nationality, religion, and gender. In our world, it's a candidate's skills and qualifications that matter most, guiding our decisions and those of our employer partners.
The impact of our work is evident in the numbers. Out of the 1,798 individuals who have found new beginnings through TBB, RefugePoint, and TalentLift, 46% are women. This figure includes women who have moved to join their families, and though shy of the 50% mark, highlights our unwavering commitment to offering refugees equal opportunity access, regardless of labels.
However, a closer look shows that only 27% of job offers through TBB were extended to women, influenced by various factors:
On-demand job opportunities often see a higher male uptake, resulting in a gender disparity in job placements.
Societal norms and cultural expectations can direct women towards certain professions or deter them from others, affecting industry representation.
Family obligations, such as childcare or eldercare responsibilities, may influence career choices and availability for certain types of jobs. Women may be more likely to prioritize roles that offer flexibility to balance work and family responsibilities.
In specific regions or communities, women frequently find their decision-making processes linked to their parents or partners. This connection may limit their flexibility in making significant life changes like relocating to work abroad, especially if their partners may potentially face challenges in securing employment.
These factors underscore the need for continued efforts to close the gender gap and ensure equitable opportunities for all of our candidates. TBB will continue to work with its partners to open the doors for displaced women to find safety and security through their talents.
Looking within our organization, a closer look at our staff composition reveals that 73% of all staff are women, and an astonishing 71% of senior roles are held by women. The unintentional gender tilt is an eloquent testament to the prowess and leadership that women bring to our team. In striving for equality, we find ourselves breaking barriers naturally, showcasing the outstanding talents of our female staff. At TBB, equality is not merely an aspiration; it's a vibrant, living reality.
As March comes to a close, we encourage you to pause and consider how you can contribute to fostering an environment of equality, both within your communities and in support of initiatives like ours. Together, we can continue to shatter ceilings and build a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to excel.