International Women's Day 2020: Recognizing Women in the Translation Industry

Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s take this time of the year to celebrate the achievements of the women in our society and to also highlight ongoing issues that are affecting women around the world. In addition, let’s also give recognition to all of the wonderful female translators in the entire translation industry and their efforts and contributions in pushing forward the translation industry to where it is today and beyond. 

What is International Women’s Day? 

For those not in the know, International Women’s Day (IWD), is celebrated every 8th of March and dates all the way back to its 1st official celebration in 1911. But it wasn’t until 1975 that the IWD was officially recognized by the United Nations. But in 1996, IWD was given themes to commemorate and is a tradition kept alive until today. 

IWD’s theme for 2020 is #EachforEqual that focuses on gender equality and emphasizes the need for a collective effort to make it so. Gender inequality is a prevailing global social issue that is rampant in most sectors of our economy, culture, and society. Women all over the world are facing unequal pay, gender discrimination and bias, underreported achievements, and so much more. 

Thus, this year’s theme is the perfect time to not only push for gender equality but also to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women. As part of the translation industry, what better way to do so than to give a shout-out to all of the female translators, interpreters, and linguists not only in our company but all around the world! 

Why Is Translation Popular Among Women?

Numerous studies and surveys show that women consistently make up more than half of all translators. Why is that so? What makes translation popular among women? Becoming a translator is an attractive career option for women as most of the work is done remotely as freelance translators. 

Being a freelance translator offers better work-life balance compared to other careers. This particularly matters to those who have children and want to continue their roles as dedicated mothers while working full-time right at their very home. Also, female translators can look forward to equal pay due to the remote nature of the job and the sole prioritization towards work quality and performance. Also, female translators are free to charge the same lucrative rates as their male counterparts. 

Although exact statistics are hard to come by that details the gender pay gap in the entire translation industry, the translation industry so far has done a remarkable job in providing a level playing field for its female translators. All in all, becoming a translator means better financial security for women in a world where unequal gender pay is rampant in many careers. 

The Translation Industry Champions Gender Equality: Final Word

As a translation company, Tomedes is proud to be part of an industry that is at the forefront of gender equality. The only way to rise above the ranks as a translator, interpreter, language specialist, and etc. is through merit alone. Output quality and performance is what matters and gender should never be used to justify unequal remuneration. 

Global industries all around the world should do their part to promote gender equality. With a new decade facing us by this year’s IWD, let’s take this chance to renew our commitment to fight gender bias, advocate for gender equality, and to bring out meaningful social change in our world. Once again, Happy International Women’s Day!