Celebrating the Women of Pivo: International Women’s Day
With every year that passes, women are accomplishing more than ever before. With every role that women take on: mother, sister, daughter, friend, professional, engineer, soldier, mechanic, and so much more — it is becoming widely known that there is nothing that women can’t do. March 8th is a day to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women, so we decided this International Women’s Day (IWD), we at Pivo would highlight the wonderful women working in our international offices. With employees from over 30 different countries, we pride ourselves in the diversity our company holds — including international women from different walks of life. We asked a few questions to find out what IWD meant to them and tell us more about how they became who they are today.
These are their stories.
Q: What is International Women’s Day to you?
Kristel, Philippines
International Women's Day is the day we get to acknowledge and celebrate our wins in life. This is a special day when we get to show everyone that there's nothing we can't do when we put our heart and mind to it.
Amanda, USA
To me, International Women's Day is a day to educate men or women worldwide about women's equality. As a woman who started her career in the manufacturing industry and is now working in tech, I have experienced firsthand gender bias and discrimination from both men and women in the workforce. International Women's Day reminds the world to take a step back and reevaluate the changes needed together. International Women's Day might be one day, but it's a day with significant impact to push a change towards gender equality.
Vorleak, Belgium
International Women's Day is celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Ella, South Korea
To be honest, 'International Women’s Day' itself was nothing special to me. I guess it’s because my country does not celebrate/recognize it widely. Most of my unfair experiences have happened at work like other women around the world. At home, my mum made me do all chores, not my brother lol. But the fact that many women still cannot work without the permission of the male of the household or that they do not even have the right to vote is what makes IWD necessary.
Souhaila, Morocco
International Women's Day is a day to officially acknowledge and honor all the efforts and contributions that women around the globe make each day to society.
Q: Who’s a woman that inspires you or you look at as a role model?
Kristel
A woman who is independent and stands up for what she believes is right and just. A woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind. And a woman who takes pride in what she has accomplished in life.
Amanda
One of my biggest role models is Lady Gaga. She empowers others through her music with messages about kindness, love, and acceptance. She is a true feminist fighting for women's equality and equality for all.
Vorleak
My mom is my role model. As a Cambodian refugee, she managed to build a new life in Belgium.
Ella
Perhaps the answer is my mother. I know this sounds cliche, but she is the one who showed me that if you keep trying, you will achieve it someday - no matter how long it takes. I grew up all my life watching her prove herself, even now. She is over 60 and has been in her new job as a caregiver to help elderly people for a couple of years now.
Souhaila
The woman that inspired me and keeps inspiring me is my mother. My mother is such a hard working person who has sacrificed a lot for the family. Thanks to her help and continuous support, I am where I am today.
Q: What accomplishment of yours are you most proud of?
Kristel
I'm proud to be a mom, wife, and career woman all at the same time. It was a hard decision to go back to work when I had my second baby. I knew it wouldn't be an easy a path to juggle work and family affairs every single day but I took the chance and I haven't regretted it.
Amanda
Moving to Korea and building a marketing career without being fluent in the country's native language was a huge challenge. When I think back to the first day I stepped off the plane from the U.S. and where I am now, I am proud of how far I have come.
Vorleak
Moving all the way to South Korea despite not speaking the language.
Ella
With almost 2 years at Pivo as UX/UI designer, the thing I'm most proud of is that I have launched a number of products to the market, built a design system, and most of that I am the leader of the product design team, filled with other talented women. Working at Pivo has allowed me to work with many amazing women professionals.
Souhaila
The accomplishment I'm most proud of is how independent I’ve become through the years. This, thanks to my experiences, my strong determination, and the encouragement from meaningful people in my life.
Q: What challenges have you faced getting to where you are now?
Kristel
It's time. As a mom, I think all moms can relate to this. It's a real struggle to manage time and make sure that work tasks and your home responsibilities are all put together and being done. As much as I love to spend all my time and energy with my kids - play with them, watch tv, mess up the room, I just can't. As a mom, sometimes it's sad but it's the reality. I always tell myself, all I do is for them anyway.
Vorleak
The Bamboo Ceiling.
(The “Bamboo Ceiling” refers to the barriers many Asians face in the professional workspace, such as stereotypes and racism.)
Ella
Looking back on my previous career, it wasn't easy getting here. Often, my role and my career were underestimated. My opinion seemed unimportant in meetings, and it made me lose confidence. But in the end, I found ways to improve myself. Even now, I still face various challenges, but I overcome those negative feelings so that I can enjoy each day.
Souhaila
The path to getting where I am now was not easy. Challenges have included myself and other people. Starting with myself, perhaps the fear and the fact that I overthink everything. From others who underestimated me, compared me to others or didn’t give me the chance to prove myself.
And the list is quite long.
Q: What message would you like to give to other women?
Kristel
You're doing great! You're an exceptional woman and don't let others tell you otherwise! 💝💖
Amanda
Always uplift other women around you to be the best version of themselves they can be. Don't settle for anything lower than what you think you are worth, and don't be afraid to ask for more. You deserve it!
Vorleak
Don’t be afraid to speak up!
Ella
To anyone who is feeling the way I felt before, I would like to say, “Don’t dream it, be it.” Start with trying to accomplish small things and then one day you will realize that you are already there.
Souhaila
You are strong. You can do it. Fight for the agenda that this day was made for - gender equality. The fight still has a long way ahead of it. A rose and free gift coupons are not what women are fighting for.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
Souhaila
Never forget about the reason why you started. Happy Women's Day Ladies ~ and please celebrate yourself as a woman everyday and not only today.
Happy International Women's Day from all of us at Pivo. Follow us on social media to see more of the amazing women content creators!