It’s Not Just a Day for Women and Girls

International Women's Dayleadership developmentfemale empowermentgender equity

Mar 8

Women of diverse ethnicities. — Image by Omar Lopez

Happy International Women’s Day!

I went to an all-girls’ school for 9 years and loved knowing that we girls could do anything we set our minds to. Yet I can’t help feeling uneasy that my parents believed I needed to be separated from boys to be freed from the limitations of gender stereotypes.

Whom do you see?

Doctor. Prime Minister. Engineer. CEO. If you're like most people, your mind immediately conjured up a male figure when you saw those words. We can’t strive to enter an arena where we don’t see others who look like us.

Are you in the minority?

Even with women and girls forming half the world’s population, our interests are still often marginalised. Issues like childcare, pay equity, maternity leave and care for aging parents.

What does a better world look like to you?

My vision: A world where we can become leaders in any field we desire regardless of gender and the social infrastructure to make this happen. Children who are encouraged to embrace experiences that enrich their worldview to be more inclusive, compassionate and just. A world where each of us feels seen, respected and cherished for what we have to contribute to the tapestry of our shared humanity.

We need allies

Many of us are lucky to have partners in our lives who stand staunchly by our side supporting us. We need to make space for others to march along with us. It’s only when more of us have a seat at the table and are empowered to speak up that all of us thrive.

Get informed

What we cannot name or see, we cannot make better. And it’s not just about women and girls having more power. When one of us is elevated, we all rise together. Scroll down for a list of inspiring and helpful resources.

What will you do?

Recommended Viewing:

Reshma Saujani’s TED Talk Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection
Dr. Amanda Foreman’s groundbreaking documentary The Ascent of Woman: a 10,000-Year History

Flora Lim