One of the keys towards success in today’s business world is a company’s capability to embrace diversity. We live in a fast pace environment that requires adaptability at all levels to survive. At the time of my grandparents, I would have never imagined it possible, as a woman, to be able to lead a company much less dare to speak out in Madagascar. In fact, at MesEditions, a publishing and communication house, we highly value the importance of having an open mind which can be felt through our recruitment processes. Not only it is good for business, but we cannot let the elders’ sacrifices go in vain, for we “women” have the freedom we have today, because of their resilience to stand up for our right.

Still let’s not be delusional because bias, stereotypes, inequalities, discriminations, you name it, are still felt in various areas of our life. International Women’s Day is one of the reminders that it is everyone’s problem to keep the progress moving towards freedom. As an individual or as a company we should be intentional on making diversity a priority. To give you an idea, at our company we hire on merit-based and strive in building a diversified team where we have a balanced staff that are composed of 50 percent men and women. It is true that as an island it is challenging to impose diversity and change of habits and in time we committed in conducting diversity training to all new hires and create an atmosphere through our languages and décor that sends an inclusive vibe.

This year’s International Women Day’s theme is to #BreakTheBias. As a women leader in an African country, I sometimes feel like I have to prove myself more because of the bias, that we women are too emotional or unreliable because we constantly have women problems. Let it be our hormones playing tricks on us or our household responsibilities that becomes a barrier for our career growth. It does not mean that women are inferior or not allowed to have the freedom to become who they want to be. MesEditions have so many talented women who are hard workers, peacemakers, and miracle doers. It is through our differences that we grow, because a wise person knows there is something to be learned from everyone. Since our line of work permits it, we equally support all team members by working based on result which allows for time flexibility. Again with the open mind value, it does not mean that one person works from 8 am to 5 pm that this justifies productivity and success. 

“Money won’t create success, the freedom to make it will.” Nelson Mandela - I encourage all The AmCham Post readers to #BreakTheBias, celebrate our differences and understand that it is our responsibility as a citizen to leave this world better than how we found it.