International Women’s Day is on Thursday, and in a cultural moment that emphasizes greater female representation and empowerment, brands everywhere will definitely try to jump on the feminist bandwagon. But perhaps the most striking move for the day will come from McDonald’s.
At least one McDonald’s location in Lynwood, California has already turned their iconic Golden Arches upside down so that the McDonald’s “M” became a “W” for “women.” In addition, the fast food joint plans to turn all of its logos on all digital channels and social media upside down. A hundred restaurants will also carry special "packaging, crew shirts and hats and bag stuffers" to celebrate International Women's Day.
The McDonald’s location in Lynwood is owned by franchisee Patricia Williams, who said in an email to Business Insiderthat the sign flip is in "celebration of women everywhere.”
"In celebration of women everywhere, and for the first time in our brand history, we flipped our iconic arches for International Women's Day in honor of the extraordinary accomplishments of women everywhere and especially in our restaurants," McDonald's Chief Diversity Officer Wendy Lewis explained in a statement.
"From restaurant crew and management to our C-suite of senior leadership, women play invaluable roles at all levels and together with our independent franchise owners we're committed to their success,” Lewis continued.
Of course, McDonald's isn't the only brand celebrating International Women’s Day. Barbie, for example, released 17 new realistic-looking dolls of powerful, “impactful” women from different background and with different jobs. Amelia Earhart, USA Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim, and Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins are just a few of the examples of iconic dolls created just for the day. Google Doodle is also highlighting 12 brilliant illustrators for Thursday. On the other end of the spectrum is Brewdog’s “satirical” but ultimately condescending “beer for girls,” complete with a pink label.
