Happy International Women’s Day, I guess. I, a woman, know and love many women in my life. And none of us are celebrating IWD — a holiday you probably know about thanks to brand-elevating advertising, featuring overwrought publicity stunts — as well as the major corporations in our lives. Here is a selection of the best IWD 2018 has to offer.
First, McDonald’s, which is flipping it’s logo from an “M” to a “W” "in honor of the extraordinary accomplishments of women everywhere." Great job, WcDonalds, but just so you know, MTV (sorry, WTV) did it first.
Vodka brand Smirnoff partnered with Spotify to create the Smirnoff Equalizer, a program that analyzes your music preferences on the streaming service to tell you the proportion of men you listen to versus women. It then suggests a playlist based on what gender ratio you’re looking for in your music.
Total War: Rome II is releasing a new culture pack that prominently features women rulers. “Important historical female characters will spawn via special incidents at various times throughout various ROME II campaigns,” the game’s developer announced. “Faction leaders of opposite gender can now marry as a diplomatic action, significantly strengthening the relations between the two factions. The basic marriage action now has political implications.”
Desert Kingdoms release day creeps ever closer, and so we've got some coverage for you - and some achievement information.
— Total War (@totalwar) March 6, 2018
Check out this review from Game Watcher: https://t.co/xG2ev765um
Or if video is more your style, here's one from Heir of Carthage: https://t.co/LXPyUSOcYXpic.twitter.com/FhtbJ3R03q
This month, Johnnie Walker is Jane Walker. “Important conversations about gender continue to be at the forefront of culture and we strongly believe there is no better time than now to introduce our Jane Walker icon and contribute to pioneering organizations that share our mission,” stated Johnnie Walker vice president Stephanie Jacoby.
Here’s to women being recognized on stage and off. #WalkWithJanepic.twitter.com/9T05yioGRb
— Johnnie Walker (@JohnnieWalkerUS) March 5, 2018
Uber released a video to highlight some of the women that work for them (as drivers, not executives or anyone else) and all the great ways that the company has improved their lives.
Barbie released a new line of dolls, including ones of artist Frida Kahlo and snowboarder Chloe Kim. The collection, called “Inspiring Women,” is “designed to inspire young girls to explore their own limitless potential while learning about the incredible women who helped pave the way for them.” Barbie will likely continue making dolls of women after the holiday ends.
In honor of #InternationalWomensDay, we are committed to shining a light on empowering female role models past and present in an effort to inspire more girls.
— Barbie (@Barbie) March 6, 2018
Join the conversation by sharing your role models using #MoreRoleModels. pic.twitter.com/5oJnZywk7s
Nike made an ad starring Serena Williams and debuted it at the Oscars.
Net-a-Porter is selling t-shirts. The designer of one by Chloé told People: “I wanted to translate this message for International Women’s Day, repeating this symbol in gold thread on the pocket with a matching metallic ring piercing through the sleeve. Together these details represent the life-giving force within all women.”
Finally, let’s give it up for Apple, who in the most inexplicable celebration of the day, is simply encouraging people to move more with a new Activity Challenge and a “Celebrating Bold Women” ad card.
International Women’s Day Activity Challenge Requires Apple Watch Owners to Double Their Move Rings https://t.co/BYcIU7P9vH by @mbrsrdpic.twitter.com/rm8G2pu9mI
— MacRumors.com (@MacRumors) March 6, 2018
Congratulations to all the women in the world, and the brands who support them.
