You Are You.
Happy International Women’s [and girls and those who identify as such] Day.
Everyone’s journey is difficult, long, full of mistakes and lessons, and endearing. No matter whose journey it is, they are bound to work their way through numerous obstacles.
Needless to say, women tread a harder path along the way. Due to numerous stereotypes and labels, they are assumed to be weaker, less intelligent, and sometimes incompetent.
And this results in many of them growing up to think they really can’t do anything. That they really are weaker and less intelligent and incompetent.
Yes, it has been proven that women are weaker physically. Yes, it has been proven that women are more emotional and sentimental. And yes, sometimes women cannot do things that men and other genders can do. Let’s think about the question: why is this the case?
Why does this data have to be used against women? Why can’t women break these barriers? What’s stopping them?
Ah, that question: “What’s stopping them?” Isn’t it everything, really?
From a young age, girls are discouraged from doing many things, whether the people around them notice it or not.
“No, don’t lift that, you’ll hurt yourself.”
“No, this is not something you are supposed to do.”
Why not? Why is it something girls are not “supposed to do”? What are we “supposed to do?” Is there some sort of a definition to the abilities of girls and women?
Then, throughout their education (if they even have one), girls are made fun of by their peers.
“Ooh, you run like a girl.”
“Oh my gosh, you scream like a little girl.”
“No, you can’t play with us, you’re a girl.”
Anytime in their life, girls and women are often looked down on by their peers, colleagues, bosses, etc. The list goes on.
Although we may say these things in a jovial way, it still impacts the person regardless of our intent. It isn’t a joke to disclude someone because of their gender nor is it to stereotype a girl’s running.
It is the unconscious bias that takes place that affects the capacity and potential of the girl/woman.
This Women’s Day, I encourage you to reflect on if you do the following. If so, bravo, and if not, great — you have a new thing to work on!
1. Nurture The Girls and Women Around You.
2. Tell Them They CAN Do It.
3. Celebrate Their Successes.
4. Protect Them, But Don’t Suppress Them.
5. Fill Them Up With Affirmations.
I have a challenge for you tomorrow, this week, and this month. Say something genuine and kind to as many girls, women, and those who identify themselves as such. Don’t feel like you have to do something big, expensive, or lengthy. The gesture is what counts. Here are some ideas as well:
Send them an empowering quote (search “Women’s Day quotes”) and explain why you picked that one (or thought of that person when you read that quote).
Just say “thank you” and explain why. Tell them you’re there for them and that you’re proud of them for [blank].
Write a short (or long, if you’d like to) and sweet message/letter (and describe some defining characteristics you see in them that you like and admire).
#ChoosetoChallenge is the official theme for 2021’s Women’s Day. Show your support on this theme which is a “call-to-action to challenge the status quo by raising awareness against bias, celebrating women’s achievement, and taking action for equality.” Post on social media (and use the hashtag) or do it for yourself, if the former isn’t possible.
Take a moment to appreciate a female classmate, colleague, or teacher in real-time during a meeting and ask everyone to do the same. The on-the-spot appreciation shows the truth behind your words.
And to all the girls and women and those who identify as such, here’s my message to you, from the bottom of my heart:
You are magic. You are beautiful, inside and outside. You have so much potential and the ability to do anything you set your mind to. You are brave and confident. Be proud of yourself. You are you. And that’s your superpower. Use it and become the greatest you that you can be.
There’s no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.
— Michelle Obama
Happy International’s Women’s [and girls and those who identify as such] Day!
Thanks for reading! Until next time, stay safe, happy, and healthy.
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