Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.
This International Women's Day, we asked our team to answer the question 'How will you embrace equity?'. Marin Southon, Global Client Director, dentsu X answers below.
Tell us a little history about your journey in media/advertising.
My journey in media started in my home country, The Netherlands. I heard an ad on the radio of an agency looking for trainee TV planners. I had no idea what that was but was intrigued so decided to apply for the program and find out more. I joined the program and completed the training at a small agency that was later bought by Dentsu. I then worked as a TV planner for 3 years and fast forward 23 years and I am still in the media industry (of which 15+ years at dentsu).
What does it mean to you to be a woman in your role, and how has this impacted your career in this industry?
I am proud to be a woman in my role and I feel I am surrounded by strong, amazing, intelligent women. I am encouraged by women making a visible stand against being career driven and strive to be a good mother. If I wouldn’t have had those examples, I think I wouldn’t have returned to work after my maternity leave. They showed me it can be done, there can be a balance and I am proud to be part of a community that supports each other as it isn’t always plain sailing.
How has dentsu supported you as a woman in the workplace/industry?
Dentsu has mostly supported me as a woman when I had my children. They encouraged me to return, provided flexibility when I needed it, and never made me feel that having children could risk my career path.
Why is it important for us to #embraceequity as a society/network and how will you ensure we are always starting from a place of equity?
It is important for me as there are still women out there that struggle to return to work after maternity leave, are seen as a resource risk, are paid less than men, are more affected by an economic downturn and are subject to various other forms of discrimination. If we embrace equity as a society, then success takes case or itself.
