6 ways brands are empowering women in 2017.

Emily Marchak 05/08/17 - 5:42 pm

In the first quarter of 2017, brands came together on a very similar mission, to empower women. According to CEB Iconoculture research, 63 percent of women say obstacles continue to make it harder for women than men today, while only 41 percent of men think women still face obstacles.

To highlight these disparities, here are six ways brands are changing the conversation and empowering women in 2017.

1. Brawny: #StrengthHasNoGender.

Brawny: #StrengthHasNoGender.
(Photo credit: Adweek)

This year, the 43-year-old paper towel brand got a makeover. As part of its Women’s History Month campaign, the brand replaced its trademark lumberjack with a defiant, flannel wearing woman. In an Adweek interview, the agency’s VP of marketing explained, “This year we wanted women to see themselves as strong and resilient, and one way to do that was to show them on the packaging.” Household goods already have a brand advantage with women in the trust department. Who knows where this may take Brawny.

2. Microsoft: Make What’s Next.

The tech brand has recently made it their mission to highlight the growing gap in female STEM (for science, technology, engineering and math) researchers. With their spot “Make What’s Next,” Microsoft encourages young girls to follow their dreams and stay in STEM.

3. McCann: A fearless girl.

McCann: A fearless girl.
(Photo credit: Adweek)

In honor of International Women’s Day, McCann New York erected a statue of a girl facing off the infamous Wall Street Charging Bull. The statue, which has since been removed from site after the permit expired, was to emphasize the power of women in leadership. The girl stood fearlessly in the face of the bull for over a month, serving as a powerful symbol of female strength.

4. Loganberry Books: Gender gap in fiction.

Loganberry Books: Gender gap in fiction.
(Photo credit: Adweek)

To demonstrate the gender gap in fiction, this Ohio bookstore turned all male authored books around in their bookstore so only the works of women were in view. The store operated under this remodel for about a week, as the storeowner wanted to celebrate generations of female authors and inspire the next.

5. Jack Daniels: His and Hers.

No explanation necessary here.

6. Ann Taylor: This is Ann.

To celebrate 60 years of business and in honor of Women’s History Month, Ann Taylor debuted their “This is Ann,” video. The minute-long spot highlights the good, the bad and the ugly struggles women have faced throughout the years while thanking the women that have come before them and paved the way.

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