“We, the successors of a country in a time where a skinny Black girl descended from slaves
And raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president,
Only to find herself reciting for one.” 1
Amanda Gorman, Inauguration Day, January 2021
When I tuned in to CNN to watch the Inauguration Day events, I was not prepared for the emotional impact of the poem written and recited by Amanda Gorman. Her words captured the passions of all those who are striving for change and empowered us to envision what our society could be. A society in which a young Black woman can stand in her power and profess that she sees a future where all thrive.
Amanda’s poetry at the inauguration of Vice President Kamala Harris marks a turning point in our history. Women literally have the podium. And women are shaping the future as they see it.
At AT&T we see the power that women hold to shape the future of our business, our communities, and the world. AT&T is home to women from diverse backgrounds, representing all areas of our business. Their experiences, talents and points of view propel the innovation a technology company like ours relies on. They raise our teams’ performance to the next level. And they push our company forward.
It is the women of AT&T who drive our support of the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles, actions that serve to advance equity for the empowerment of women and girls. Our endorsement reflects our company’s commitment to standing for equality through the shared values and the following principles:
Principle 1: Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality
Principle 2: Treat all women and men fairly at work – respect and support human rights and nondiscrimination
Principle 3: Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers
Principle 4: Promote education, training and professional development for women
Principle 5: Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women
Principle 6: Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy
Principle 7: Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality
Today, on International Women’s Day, and every week in March, we invite you to explore how AT&T brings these principles to life for women both inside and outside of our company through the “Power of I Am…” video series. Check out the first episode of the “Power of I Am…” below and stay tuned for more ways you can connect with this historic moment for women and girls throughout Women’s History Month.
From executive leadership programs to health benefits designed for today’s women and their families, supporting women in their personal and professional lives is core to AT&T’s value to Stand for Equality. Part of that support is ensuring women have a platform to share their thoughts, their stories, and their power in their own words. And I’m excited to hear what the women inside and outside of AT&T are saying!
Sincerely,
