McDonald’s has inverted its iconic golden arches as a bold statement.
One of the largest fast-food chains globally, McDonald’s, made a symbolic gesture by flipping its iconic arches upside down to honor women and emphasize their individual greatness. On March 8, 2018, International Women’s Day, which celebrates women’s achievements across various spheres, the company chose to reverse its familiar arches.
This move surprised many, leading to speculation that it might be linked to ongoing disputes with Wendy’s. However, a spokesperson clarified that it was solely a gesture to celebrate women worldwide. The signage at the Lynwood, California restaurant was changed, while the social media logos remained unchanged.
Employees proudly wore caps and shirts featuring the new “W”-shaped symbol, and 100 restaurants nationwide offered special packaging adorned with the logo. McDonald’s Chief Diversity Officer Wendy Lewis highlighted the significance of this gesture: “To celebrate the remarkable achievements of women everywhere, especially in our restaurants, we flipped our iconic arches for International Women’s Day for the first time in our brand’s history.”
According to Lauren Altman, a spokesperson for the brand, the updated design aimed to acknowledge women’s contributions globally. “We have a longstanding commitment to empowering women in the workplace and enabling their growth and success.”
“We are proud to announce that six out of ten restaurant managers in the United States are women today. Diversity is a core value for us,” she added. The company updated all its social media platforms with the new logo, and 100 locations received new packaging, crew shirts, hats, and bag stuffers.
McDonald’s is not alone in its efforts to honor women and promote gender equality awareness. Johnnie Walker, for instance, introduced a “Jane Walker” bottle, donating $1 from each sale to charities supporting women’s rights. Stephanie Jacoby, Vice President of Johnnie Walker, emphasized the importance of ongoing gender conversations and supporting progressive organizations aligned with their mission.
Brawny, another company, contributed to this cause by donating $100,000 to Girls, Inc. and replacing their iconic Brawny Man with a woman. These initiatives signify a broader commitment across industries to recognize and support women’s achievements and gender equality.
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