As we celebrate Women’s History Month during the month of March, on March 8, AspenTech joined as a global citizen to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD). It is an important time to celebrate the many accomplishments and impacts of women across the world, but also a time to look at the work still left to be done toward true gender parity. The theme for IWD 2023 was Embrace Equity. 

Members of the AspenTech team #embracingequity

The words equity and equality are often used interchangeably; however, it is important to understand how these two terms differ:

 

Equality		Equity
Sounds fair, it’s the idea that everyone receives the same set of tools and resources, but the truth is that the starting points for everyone are different, so it ends up having varied outcomes.		Provides resources, tools, and support in a way that ensures equal outcomes. It considers the systems and processes that may have yet to be built for everyone and adds corrective layers.

Inequity affects many people, but, historically, it has most affected underrepresented groups such as women, people of color, disabled people, the economically disadvantaged, and those from the LGBTQ+ community. 

We believe it is everyone’s mission to educate friends, family, colleagues and the community on the need for equity. At AspenTech, where DEI is a core value, we know that every one of us can truly make a difference and embrace equity. The goal of equity is to change systemic and structural barriers that get in the way of people's ability to grow and thrive. When we practice empathy, listen to, and respect different voices, as well as support our colleagues and/or direct reports in their professional growth, we help create equity for all. 

 

"Only when we have indisputable equity will equality be enough."

Tracy Wuest, Director of DEI at Aspentech.

IWD, nor Women’s History Month as a whole, is not about acknowledging women once a year but acknowledging their lived experiences every day. Regardless of gender identity, we need to support each other if progress is truly to be made and kept. AspenTech believes this and supports several ongoing programs and initiatives like Girls Who Code,Rosie’s Place, Beacon, The Women’s Home, Ready for Success, Fundación Pro-niños, and the Armenian International Women’s Association.

Let's #EmbraceEquity together!