Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated across the world to shed light on critical women’s issues and emphasise their rights.
The theme for International Women’s Day, 8 March 2023 (IWD 2023) is “Embrace Equity”. It serves as a reminder that women still face numerous challenges in the male-dominated field of digital marketing.
As a digital marketing manager, it is crucial to acknowledge these challenges and take action to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
As a woman in digital marketing, I have faced various challenges, including unconscious biases and gender stereotypes. I have had to work twice as hard and watch my back because cyberbullying and trolling are a huge part of being online as a woman.
supportive work environment
One of the most effective strategies for overcoming the challenges faced by women in the media industry is to create a supportive work environment. This means providing opportunities for growth and development, celebrating the successes of women in the workplace, and fostering an inclusive and diverse culture.
When women feel supported and valued, they are more likely to thrive in their careers and contribute to the team’s success.
mentorship and support
Another critical strategy is to provide mentorship and support. Women in digital marketing often need more mentorship and guidance to advance in their careers.
As a digital marketing manager, providing guidance and mentorship to women on your team and supporting them in their career goals can make all the difference.
Having a mentor or a supportive manager has been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and achieve my career goals.
Address unconscious biases
Addressing unconscious biases is also vital. The media industry is not immune to unconscious biases, and addressing these biases in the recruitment and promotion process is crucial.
Ensuring that candidates are evaluated fairly based on their skills and qualifications rather than on gender or other irrelevant factors is key.
Addressing unconscious biases is an essential step towards creating a more equitable workplace. We must ensure that women are judged on their abilities, not their gender.
Providing training and development opportunities, as well as fostering collaboration, are other strategies that digital marketing managers can employ.
Women in digital marketing often need access to the training and development opportunities they need to stay competitive. Providing access to these programs can help women build the skills they need to excel in their careers.
collaboration and knowledge-sharing
Encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing can also help overcome the challenges faced by women in the workplace.
I love the digital sphere, and it is thrilling because it allows me to connect with audiences in real-time, engage with them and create conversations with the content we produce.
I get to experiment with new technologies and platforms to create engaging experiences for our audiences. With music and entertainment content, a lot of creativity and innovation is involved in developing campaigns that resonate with our target audience.
Sadly, tech and digital spaces have traditionally been male-dominated because of various societal and cultural biases.
There must be more representation and diversity in the industry, with men often occupying leadership positions. This has created a perception that specific skills and traits required for success in these fields are more masculine.
However, this is changing, and more women are entering these industries and challenging the status quo.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2023, digital marketing managers in the media industry must take concrete steps to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
Embracing equity means creating a workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. As digital marketers, we all have a role in creating a supportive, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Let us all commit to taking action towards this goal.
I advise young women in digital marketing to be confident in their skills and abilities.
Do not let societal biases or gender stereotypes hold you back. Find a mentor or a network of like-minded professionals who can offer support and guidance.
Stay curious and up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. And most importantly, be yourself and let your unique perspective and voice shine through in your work.
Lencer Owino, is the Digital Manager at TRACE EASTERN AFRICA
