Gender Blackout Takes Over Social On International Women's Day

In celebration of 2016 International Women's Day (IWD), DDB Worldwide has launched "Talent Has No Gender", a social campaign and call-to-action that supports DDB's commitment to promote gender equality in the marketing communications industry.

"Talent Has No Gender" sees staff across the DDB Worldwide network changing their profile picture and name (using first initial and last name) on LinkedIn to appear genderless. When people upload the new image and name, their account will post an update to the timeline of every one of their connections, encouraging others to get involved by visiting TalentHasNoGender.com. The multiplatform execution also continues on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #TalentHasNoGender capturing inspirational messages.

"With female leaders at the helm of each of our four Canadian offices, DDB Canada has long believed that talent depends on many things, but gender isn't one of them," says Helene Leggatt, chief talent officer, DDB Canada. "Today, on International Women's Day, we want the Canadian marcomm industry to join us in recognizing pure talent and taking gender out of the equation."

The "Talent Has No Gender" website also includes a video featuring male and female leaders, clients and partners across the DDB Network discussing and defining what talent looks like, how talented people thrive, and lessons learned on inspiring talented people.

DDB is also kicking-off an Unconscious Bias Training program with an initial focus on its most senior leaders and those in a position to hire across North America. Serving as a foundational pillar for its Diversity & Inclusion strategy, DDB has plans to offer all employees in-person training opportunities supported by e-learning tools to help mitigate bias and raise awareness.

About DDB Canada 

DDB Canada is the most creatively acclaimed, internationally recognized marketing communications agency in Canada. The agency was named 2015 Digital Agency of the Year by strategy magazine and was ranked #2 agency in Canada by the Gunn Report in 2015. Known for advertising that generates significant results for clients, DDB Canada is a "total communications company" whose fundamental belief is that creativity is the most powerful force in business. DDB Canada has offices in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto and Montréal. The agency's integrated marketing disciplines include: public relations, event management, digital, social, mobile, branding, design, direct response, CRM and shopper marketing.

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For further information or interviews, please contact:

Paige Calvert
Corporate Communications, DDB Canada
604.608.4421
paige.calvert@ddbcanada.com