Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) invites us to reflect on the strides women have made and the journey that still lies still ahead.
This year’s IWD theme, #AccelerateAction, resonates deeply with WAVIT’s mission to empower women in technology and professional AV industries. We’re encouraging all members of the pro AV industry to not only accelerate action but also drive meaningful change for young women across the industry.
Representation in the Pro AV Industry
Women remain underrepresented in the pro AV sector. According to AVIXA’s global salary survey, women constituted just 9% of respondents, with 6% representation outside the U.S. and 11% within the U.S. Notably, technical roles such as engineering reported even lower female participation, ranging from 5% to 8%.
While women are more commonly found in roles such as sales and marketing, leadership positions remain predominantly male, reflecting a persistent “glass ceiling.” Encouragingly, the gender pay gap is narrowing, with women now earning between 86% to 94% of their male counterparts’ salaries.
However, disparities in parental leave policies and limited access to career advancement opportunities continue to hinder gender equity in the field. Despite these challenges, targeted efforts are driving gradual progress toward inclusivity.
Business Benefits of Inclusion
As a field that thrives on innovation and collaboration, the pro AV industry benefits immensely from diverse perspectives. Women bring valuable insights into customer needs and preferences, which can expand the reach of pro AV products and services to more diverse audiences.
This increased market appeal can drive revenue growth and create more opportunities for all to thrive financially in the industry.
Studies show that companies with greater gender diversity often outperform their less diverse peers financially. These companies provide improved customer satisfaction, have a broader market appeal and have stronger bottom lines.
This collective success translates to better job security, higher wages, and more growth opportunities for everyone. Because women play a key role in fostering inclusive environments, they also help attract and retain skilled workers and talent. They help create workplaces where innovation thrives and where employees feel valued.
By supporting women within the pro AV industry and embracing the ethos of #AcceleratingAction, organizations can do the following:
- Champion Industry Growth: By cultivating talent from all backgrounds, the pro AV industry can continue to evolve and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
- Empower Future Leaders: Providing young women with internships and mentorship opportunities ensures they have the foundation to grow into leadership roles.
- Foster Inclusive Workplaces: Diversity drives creativity and problem-solving, making organizations stronger and more adaptable.
Paving the Way for Women in Pro AV
Part of WAVIT’s commitment to gender equity is the WAVIT Internship Program, a transformative initiative designed to equip young women with hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities to excel in the industry.
Since its inception, the program has welcomed two remarkable interns, each of whom has flourished under the guidance of industry mentors. Now, as the program expands, WAVIT is in the process of interviewing a new cohort of promising candidates, ensuring the torch of empowerment continues to burn brightly.
The WAVIT Internship Program offers significant benefits to pro AV companies by fostering a pipeline of talented, diverse professionals and aligning with industry goals of innovation, inclusion, and long-term growth.
Organizations benefit from the program in the following ways:
- Access to Fresh Talent: The program introduces young, talented women into the industry, providing organizations access to a pool of eager, motivated individuals with fresh perspectives and a willingness to learn. Interns often bring new ideas and perspectives on how to utilize new technologies and appeal to new markets.
- Cost-Effective Talent Development: Interns not only provide a cost-effective way for companies to address resource needs but also provide means of evaluating potential long-term employees in a real-world setting. Many interns transition into full-time roles which reduces hiring costs and ensures a smoother onboarding process.
- Improved Brand Reputation: Participation in social causes within the industry demonstrates a company’s commitment to supporting inclusion, enhancing their reputation as a progressive and forward-thinking company, a trait that is especially important in pro AV.
These internships are about more than professional development; they embody the spirit of #AccelerateAction by bridging the gap between ambition and achievement.
Interns not only gain practical skills but also become part of a supportive community that champions their growth while companies benefit from the fresh energy and new ambitions for success.
IWD Webinar: Amplifying Voices, Inspiring Change
This International Women’s Day, WAVIT will host a special #AccelerateAction webinar event around March 8. Featuring current and past interns alongside their mentors or “bosses,” the webinar will showcase the tangible impact of the WAVIT Internship Program.
Attendees will hear firsthand how the program has empowered these young women, providing them with tools and confidence to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
The event will serve as a platform for dialogue and inspiration, as well as a call to action for the pro AV community to champion gender diversity. By spotlighting these stories, WAVIT aims to motivate organizations to create similar opportunities that uplift and amplify the voices of women.
Strike the Pose: A Call to Stand Together
As part of the global movement, WAVIT is inviting the ProAV industry to strike the pose for #AccelerateAction. This symbolic gesture represents solidarity and commitment to advancing gender equality in the workplace and beyond.
Photos from participants will be shared across WAVIT’s social media platforms and website, amplifying the message of unity and progress.
Join WAVIT in Accelerating Action
This year, on International Women’s Day, let’s go beyond celebration and commit to action. Support WAVIT’s initiatives, participate in the webinar, and strike the pose to show your commitment to gender equity. Together, we can accelerate progress, empower women, and create a brighter, more inclusive future for the pro AV industry and beyond.
Learn more about WAVIT’s programs and how you can get involved at WAVIT’s website.
Kris Callahan is marketing manager at DetaiLED.
