Unleash Your Whole Self
Today, as we stand together to honor International Women’s Day, I plead:
PROTECT & UPLIFT WOMEN & WOMENS’ VOICES!
I am tired of thinking our daughters need to be “tougher.” While I want them to have grit, I have personally struggled to allow for balancing softness in this difficult era.
My story, like that of many women, is marked by battles fought both in the shadows and in the glaring light of day.
My childhood—a time that should have been filled with laughter and learning—was overshadowed by trauma. My experiences at the hands of men, both as a child and an adult, are sadly not unique. They are shared by countless women who navigate a world where their safety and dignity are constantly under threat. Yet, it is through sharing these stories that we find common ground, strength, and the courage to demand change.
- At our current rate it would take approx. 131 years to close the gender gap
- Women make up over 50% of the workforce, yet only hold about a quarter of leadership roles
- Nearly 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. (And that’s just what’s reported!)
Violence against women is a terrible manifestation of gender inequality. This isn’t just a personal issue but a global pandemic that stifles women’s potential, damages our communities, and fuels cycles of violence instead of cycles of virtue.
As a survivor, I’ve seen firsthand how violence and the threat of it can shape a life. My story of constant overcoming serves not just as a testament to personal resilience but as a call to action. The trauma I endured, while deeply personal, is also a reflection of the broader societal failure to protect and uplift women.
My journey from trauma to triumph mirrors the larger narrative of women worldwide striving for a future where our daughters can live without fear, pursue their dreams without barriers, and be valued not just for their resilience in the face of adversity but for their contributions to our world.
BUT WHAT CAN WE ACTUALLY DO TO PROTECT & UPLIFT WOMEN?
Here are some ideas to increase cycles of virtue instead of violence:
- Teach & learn from each other & from the next generations. Engage in conversations about gender equality, respect, & human rights with each other & with children. Challenge gender stereotypes & encourage acceptance.
- Listen to & support survivors. We have thought a lot about how to create a safer world. Ask us about it, learn about our struggles & ideas, & help us create needed change in our personal lives, businesses, & communities.
- Befriend & empower female entrepreneurs. Men create strong networks & talk with one another about politics & finances. Men mentor one another to become more powerful. It’s time women start doing these things too.
- Support what women say & do. Show appreciation to the women in your life through simple acts of kindness & specific gratitude. Don’t just say, “Your hair looks nice today.” Say, “I agree with your (her) powerful stance on this issue, & I applaud your (her) courage in bringing it up. How can I help?”
- Be an ally. Recognize your privilege. Educate yourself on consent, tell other men about it, & call out repressive behavior & discrimination when you see it. Create inclusive environments that are safe for women, support women-owned businesses, & do the damn dishes so we can advance in our careers too!
Today, let’s celebrate the strides made by women worldwide but also buckle down for the ongoing battle. Let us take today to not only recognize the achievements of women around the world but to recommit ourselves to the work that lies ahead. Let our actions be guided by compassion, our policies be shaped by equity, and our societies be strengthened by diversity and inclusion.
In the face of adversity, let us remember: we are not alone. Together, we can build a world where gender parity is not a distant dream but a lived reality, and violence against women is relegated to the pages of history.
Please. Let’s join together now and always to
PROTECT & UPLIFT WOMEN & WOMENS’ VOICES!
