March 8th is International Women’s Day (IWD), and I wish all the ladies out there a beautiful day ❤️ If you missed past posts for this special day, each year has a theme, such as Press for Progress.
Why do we have IWD 2021?
Sadly, it’s still needed! There continues to be inequality in the workplace and assumptions that females are not as competent as males. I wish this issue would remedy itself soon but that’s wishful thinking.
While things have gotten better, there remain few women in top levels of organizations. Gender stereotypes entrenched in western society continue on. For example, being aggressive is often attributed positively with businessmen and negatively with women.
I see more people thinking well of women who are strong in their beliefs and actions, and I love that! I also see amazing female role models and mentors. They are reason to cheer! And we must continue to support one another personally and professionally.
What is #ChooseToChallenge?
The theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is to choose to challenge. That means challenging others to rethink assumptions as well as challenging ourselves as well.
As women, we can endeavor to reach for more, go outside our comfort zones, and speak up about issues that are not easy to discuss. We can continue to raise awareness about job hiring biases, access to education, salary differences, and more. Spreading the message that these inequalities are happening is the first step toward action in the right direction. That is why IWD is so important.
On challenges
Challenges can be a good thing, by the way. The word has a negative connotation but it is the way to the growth of the self, others, and society at large. Without growth, negative structures perpetuate as they are not questioned.
The next time you have a challenge, I hope you look at it from this point of view. Wishing you a thoughtful, change-making IWD 2021 ☮️
Christy
Happy women’s Day, Christy
Thank you, and I appreciate the social shares too!
Thank you for a lovely IWD post. There is still a long way to go for gender equality and you are doing a great job in bringing it to the forefront. All the best for today and everyday, lovely lady. x
OH Marje, your words humble me. Thanks too for the FB shares. So kind. Your loving, generous spirit is why I am so proud to call you friend! Happy day xo
Aww thank you Christy. What a kind and sweet message from a lovely friend. Xxx
I’m speaking the truth :)
You are amazing, Christy! And you are absolutely beautiful! Thank you for bringing awareness each and every day to a cause that we all need to be champions for. Fighting for women’s rights doesn’t take away anything from men. It simply means that we should never be seen as the lesser of the two. As you rightly say, we have seen improvement, but there is a long way to go!
One of my favorite paragraphs was this one: “I see more people thinking well of women who are strong in they’re beliefs and actions, and I love that! I also see amazing female role models and mentors. They are reason to cheer! And we must continue to support one another personally and professionally.” —- Yes!! I wholeheartedly agree with you! It is very encouraging to see that women who stand up for what they believe in are not being immediately silenced. In many cases, those women are now being heard and celebrated. I pray for female mentors to rise up and share the message of, “Oh yes you can achieve THAT!”
I also adore your ending paragraph on challenge. You’re right. Each challenge we face has the ability to teach us and help us grow. Depending on our perspective, we can find out more about ourselves and what does or doesn’t work in our lives. That’s a beautiful gift! It may be uncomfortable in the moment but it’s a gift worth treasuring!
All my love to you, dearest Christy. You’re a blessing! Keep inspiring us all to be the best versions of ourselves. I’ll be sharing this. ♥ BIG hugs to you.
Dear Holly, thank you for such a heartfelt reply here. Your words remind me of the enthusiasm we can bring to each day when we have encouraging friendships like yours. It is only when we bring one another up that we all have the opportunity to achieve more! Sending much love on this special day and always. ♥
Happy International Women’s Day, Christy! 🎉
And to you too!!!