Blog post by Tomke Bruns, Rithum Client Strategy Associate, Berlin, on behalf of Rithum’s Women’s Group
“The International Women’s Day was the most impactful demonstration for the voting right for women in the history of feminism.” — Clara Zetkin, 1911
Today is International Women’s Day! It’s a day of celebration and to be thankful for how far we have come toward equality for women. Did you know that International Women’s Day was founded in 1911?
In Germany, it’s received even more recognition this year since Berlin declared it a new public holiday. Berlin is a pioneer in driving inclusion of all kinds. People come here because they have the freedom to live their life however they want. Diversity can be seen in every corner of the city. This is what makes Berlin so special and appealing.
As someone who came from a small town in Northern Germany to Berlin almost 10 years ago, I noticed that Berlin offers women the chance to be heard with more resonance. Celebrating International Women’s Day here in Berlin is a chance for people to raise awareness for inequality issues. Not only will the day be celebrated with cultural events like guided theme tours, but also several rallies and panel discussions will take place all over the city.
When I think of International Women’s Day, I think of people standing up for each other to find a balance. The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #BalanceforBetter. In my eyes, this means achieving a balance and an equality that lead to a better world. A world with respect for one another regardless of gender, skin color or sexual orientation.
A diverse workforce offers fresh ideas, valuable insights into different cultures and a broader skill set. A globally active company like Rithum — that has offices from the U.S. all the way to China and Australia — definitely benefits from this balance and achieves better results! On a personal level, the culture at Rithum gives me the chance to expand my own horizon. In the four months I’ve been working at Rithum, I have learned so many things from people with all sorts of backgrounds — even a special recipe for a traditional dish from Israel!
International Women’s Day is a time to reflect and evaluate our environment. It’s a day to celebrate our achievements, as well as those who have supported us along the way. Making it a new holiday in Berlin demonstrates Germany’s commitment to inclusion. At Rithum, we have laid the foundation for a #BalanceforBetter, and I’m proud to be a part of this team!
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Pictured above, Rithum employees in Berlin, Germany (from left to right): Katharina Butt, Client Strategy Manager; Tomke Bruns, Client Strategy Associate; Melissa Hickam, Senior HR Business Partner (US); Andreea Simon, Client Strategy Manager.
Link to see events in Berlin on March, 8th, 2019: https://www.berlin.de/tickets/5641896-2789889-veranstaltungen-am-frauentag.html
