Events in the U.S. are hard to ignore. President Trump’s administration is pushing back against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially in government. From a legal standpoint, there’s fear of lawsuits if someone feels they’ve been overlooked because of DEI initiatives. There are also financial concerns; funding DEI programs can be seen as optional.
But it’s not just legal and financial issues at play. Nationalism is gaining traction globally, with a fifth of Germany’s electorate recently backing a far-right party. This often leads to a narrow world view, where some traits are valued over others. For those who believe in diversity and inclusion, this is unsettling.
The landscape is unclear. While the U.S. is a significant player, it doesn’t set the tone for the entire world. Some American companies, including big names in tech, may rethink their DEI strategies but that doesn’t mean they will abandon them completely. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, recently emphasized that while legal changes may require adjustments, their commitment to dignity and respect for everyone remains strong. He’s clear that they will keep fostering a culture where everyone can thrive.
It’s essential for businesses to reflect the communities they serve, as those communities are diverse. This provides a strong argument for maintaining diversity in the workplace. We’ll have to wait and see how this impacts hiring and promotions day-to-day. I doubt we’ll see a drastic drop in diversity numbers, but we shouldn’t expect an active boost either.
So, with International Women’s Day around the corner, what does this mean for women? My advice is straightforward: believe in yourself. Women often focus on supporting others—whether as mothers, caregivers, colleagues, or friends. That’s great, but it’s also crucial to invest time in yourself. Develop your skills, pursue your career goals, and trust in your abilities. Challenges aren’t new; we’ve always faced them. Don’t let the biases of others sidetrack you. Keep building your network and seize growth opportunities. If you need a mentor, seek one out, and if you can mentor others, continue to do so.
There’s a role for men here too. They can be powerful allies in promoting gender equality. Now’s not the time to step back. If you’ve considered becoming a formal ally through mentoring or supporting networks, do it. Think about the women in your life who matter and take action to support them.
Despite reasons for concern, I believe that strong individuals will rise to the top. Women should have faith in themselves and aim high. Most women pursue job opportunities not because they’re women, but because they’re skilled professionals.
We might be shifting toward a landscape that emphasizes meritocracy over equity. If that’s the case, history shows that capable women have consistently broken barriers. Now’s the time to celebrate those achievements and let them drive our ambitions. Happy International Women’s Day!
