McDonald’s, one of the world’s most beloved fast-food chains, made a unique statement in 2018 by flipping its iconic golden arches. The symbolic act was done to honor the achievements and brilliance of women on International Women’s Day.
A Powerful Celebration
International Women’s Day is a global event that commemorates the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women. It was on this significant day that McDonald’s chose to turn their famous arches upside down, leaving many astonished and intrigued.
Some confused customers initially thought it might be a response to an ongoing rivalry with Wendy’s, but they were mistaken. The transformation of the emblem was a deliberate act to celebrate women everywhere. McDonald’s made this clear through their spokesperson, who stated that it was a “celebration of women everywhere.”
A Symbolic Gesture
While McDonald’s flipped the sign at their Lynwood, CA location, they kept the logos the same on their social media platforms. However, employees proudly wore the “W”-like emblem on their shirts and hats. Special packaging featuring the inverted logo was also served at 100 McDonald’s locations across the country.
Wendy Lewis, McDonald’s Chief Diversity Officer, expressed the significance of the occasion, stating, “For the first time in our brand’s history, we flipped our iconic arches for International Women’s Day to honor the extraordinary accomplishments of women everywhere, especially in our restaurants.”
Lauren Altman, a representative for the company, emphasized that the new design was a tribute to women worldwide. She said, “We have a long history of empowering women in the workplace, allowing them to grow and succeed.”
A Global Commitment
McDonald’s not only celebrated women within its own company but also acknowledged the importance of gender equality. In the United States, the company takes pride in its diversity, with six out of ten restaurant managers being women.
The modified logo will be displayed across all McDonald’s social media channels, and 100 locations will receive updated packaging, crew shirts, hats, and bag stuffers. By embracing these changes, McDonald’s showcases its dedication to recognizing and supporting women.
Promoting change as a community
McDonald’s is not alone in its efforts to honor women and promote gender equality. Other companies, such as Johnnie Walker and Brawny, have also taken steps to show their support.
Johnnie Walker launched a ‘Jane Walker’ bottle, donating $1 from each bottle sold to organizations dedicated to improving women’s status. Stephanie Jacoby, the Vice President of Johnnie Walker, stated, “Important gender conversations remain at the forefront of culture. We believe there is no better time than now to debut our Jane Walker emblem and support forward-thinking groups that share our goal.”
Similarly, Brawny replaced its iconic Brawny Man with a woman in their campaign. They also made a generous contribution of $100,000 to Girls, Inc., an organization focused on empowering girls and young women.
Share and Celebrate
The celebration of women’s accomplishments and the journey towards gender equality is crucial. We encourage you to share this article with your family and friends on Facebook. Let’s come together as a community and support these inspiring initiatives.
