Marching Forward: Women, Equity, Diversity
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the perspectives of IIBA.
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March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate the women and girls, past and present, who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada.
This includes including Indigenous women, women from 2SLGBTQI+ communities, women with disabilities, and newcomer, racialized, and migrant women.
Originating from International Women’s Day, Women’s History Month is also a chance to improve how we support women to maximize their potential in business and beyond. The month-long celebration honours the achievements of women throughout history, reminding us of their impact on culture, society, and various fields.
From a business view, women-owned organizations play an increasingly important role in shaping business culture. They drive growth, foster innovation, support communities, and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Today, these values are seen as crucial for innovation and success. More and more, women are contributing to them, bringing diverse views and driving positive change.
But the journey is far from over. Work remains to ensure equal opportunities, representation, and support for everyone in the workforce.
In business analysis, inclusivity is key. It fosters creativity, drives innovation, and improves decision-making. And we all have a role to play in promoting it.
In “Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Business Analysis,” from the latest issue of Business Analysis Magazine, author Priyanka Agrawal writes: "Adding equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) to business analysis can improve it."
At the same time, adding business analysis to EDI can enable success. It helps with processes, outcomes, projects, and people.
Business analysis professionals must understand complex systems, identify opportunities, and help stakeholders communicate. In this context, diverse teams are vital, as their varied views help uncover insights and generate impactful solutions.
Women in business analysis bring a unique set of skills and views. They enrich the field with creativity, empathy, and strategy. But they also face myriad challenges.
Barriers such as imposter syndrome, gender bias, and the pressure to be perfect can hinder their career growth and stop them from fully helping their organizations.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s recognize the importance of supporting and empowering women. Creating inclusive work environments makes all voices heard and valued. It can unleash employees' full potential and drive more innovation and success.
Wondering where to start? In the same BAM! article, Priyanka Agrawal shares some EDI components you can start bringing to your work right now:
- Inclusive language. Use words that avoid biases, slang, and discrimination. This includes discrimination based on race, gender, wealth, or ability.
- Multiculturalism. Respect and include people from various faiths, beliefs, and cultures.
- Accessibility. Remove barriers that exclude people with special needs and abilities.
- Gender equity. Prevent inequity based on gender or other markers of sexual identity.
To continue the conversation about women in business analysis, we invite you to join our upcoming event on March 27 at 12:00 (ET). Hosted by Dr. Amelia Reigstad and IIBA Community Engagement Manager Susan Moore, Women's History Month: Navigating Perfectionism for Professional Women will give you the insights and tools to help yourself and others thrive at work.
Many women face perfectionism at work, leading to pressure, self-doubt, and "analysis paralysis." The hosts will address this issue directly, providing strategies to overcome it. In the end, you'll feel empowered to set boundaries, amplify your voice, and drive positive business change. You'll also gain valuable insights into embracing authenticity and self-expression in your career.
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate women's achievements in business. It's also a time to reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. Together, we can create a fairer world for all by embracing diversity, breaking barriers, and supporting each other.
Don’t miss the chance to expand your awareness. Join the talk on empowering women in this free webinar.
Register now to secure your spot.
About the Author
Tiffani Iacolino is a Senior Manager, Product Marketing at IIBA and has 15+ years of marketing experience across the legal, technology, telecommunications, publishing, media, and professional services industries. She’s passionate about delivering meaningful products and solutions to the business analysis community. Hailing from the Greater Toronto Area, she enjoys an amazing cup of coffee, running, and yoga—between chasing her two adorable children!
