Contact: Madonna Jarrett
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Director, Global PR & CEO Communications
+1 212 492 3738
New York, March 7, 2006 — On Wednesday, March 8, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and its member firms join organizations around the world in celebrating the 97th annual International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day recognizes the accomplishments of all women in continuing the advancement of equality, justice, and peace.
To honor International Women's Day, Deloitte member firms are hosting various programs that focus on women. These activities range from career development forums and opportunities for networking to breakfasts and program launches that support the advancement of women. Deloitte is also highlighting on its internal Website the profiles of 70 women who help to distinguish member firms in their respective marketplaces.
"Women have been instrumental in the success of Deloitte and March 8 is a day to recognize the many women from Deloitte member firms who are leading by example. Their stories are an inspiration not just to other women but to all the people of Deloitte member firms," said William G. Parrett, CEO Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. "These women represent the culture and strength of the Deloitte organization."
Celebrating International Women's Day further supports the recently announced vision and strategy for Deloitte member firms. The strategy aims to position Deloitte member firms as the first choice of the most talented people and the most sought-after clients.
Attracting and fostering the development of top female talent is a key focus for the member firms and is taking on a new dimension in their business strategies through an initiative called Build Our Next Generation of Talent. This initiative focuses on developing women as leaders, creating stronger networks, providing more accommodating career options for women when they require them and fostering the development and deployment of highly sought-after women professionals.
Mr. Parrett acknowledged that the profession and Deloitte member firms still have much to achieve in encouraging, developing and retaining women as leaders. He said, "Many member firms have commendable programs with this as an end goal, but there is room for improvement. Leadership ability is critical to the long-term sustainability of Deloitte. That's why Deloitte member firms everywhere are taking steps to ensure they have the right talent and leadership, including women."
"I commend all the women who are making strides around the world to enhance justice and equality, peace and community. I especially commend the women of Deloitte member firms who remain committed to a standard of excellence everyday," Mr. Parrett said.
Read profiles of Deloitte women.
About Deloitte
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, its member firms, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is an organization of member firms around the world devoted to excellence in providing professional services and advice, focused on client service through a global strategy executed locally in nearly 150 countries. With access to the deep intellectual capital of 120,000 people worldwide, Deloitte delivers services in four professional areas—audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory services—and serves more than one-half of the world's largest companies, as well as large national enterprises, public institutions, locally important clients and successful, fast-growing global growth companies. Services are not provided by the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Verein, and, for regulatory and other reasons, certain member firms do not provide services in all four professional areas.
As a Swiss Verein (association), neither Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu nor any of its member firms has any liability for each other’s acts or omissions. Each of the member firms is a separate and independent legal entity operating under the names "Deloitte," "Deloitte & Touche," "Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu" or other related names.