What’s important to me this International Women’s Day!

Happy International Women's Day!

Through my work and life I'm passionate about supporting and empowering women.  This year's theme for International Women's Day is Embrace Equality and is a topic that hits close to home for me.

As a woman, I have personally faced inequality in both my work and personal life. I am also present to the fact that I have some privileges as a white, straight woman who has been raised in the western world, and there are certain inequalities that I have never, and will never face.

My commitment is to use my voice and influence to speak out against injustice because when we witness any inequality towards an individual or group and remain silent, then we are just as complicit to the injustice.

Today, I invite you to join me in reflecting on where you have witnessed inequality and how you can show up differently to support women's wellness and performance.

Understanding Inequality, and It's Impact on Women's Wellness and Performance

Inequality can take many forms, from the gender pay gap to lack of representation in leadership positions. These inequalities not only affect women's financial wellbeing but also their mental and physical health.

Women who face discrimination and bias in the workplace are more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and depression, which can have a negative impact on their overall wellness and performance. In order to support women's wellness and performance, we must first understand the ways in which inequality affects them.

One way to address inequality is to create a more inclusive workplace culture. This can involve providing equal opportunities for promotion and advancement, offering flexible work arrangements, and implementing anti-discrimination policies. Additionally, companies can benefit from training programs that help managers and employees recognise and address biases in the workplace.

In our personal lives, we can support women's wellness and performance by advocating for policies that promote gender equality. This can include supporting women-owned businesses, advocating for equal pay, and supporting policies that address gender-based violence and harassment.

Respect, Inclusion, and Compassion: Building a Community of Empowered Women

Creating a supportive community of empowered women is key to promoting wellness and performance. This involves showing respect, inclusion, and compassion towards one another. When we come together to support each other, we create a safe space where women can thrive.

One way to build a supportive community is to actively seek out and engage with other women. Attend networking events, join online communities, and participate in women's organisations to connect with other women who share your values and goals. When we surround ourselves with like-minded individuals, we can learn from each other, grow together, and support each other in achieving our goals.

Another important aspect of building a community of empowered women is to practice empathy and compassion. We all have our own unique experiences and challenges, and by listening and understanding each other's perspectives, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment. When we show compassion towards each other, we create a space where women feel comfortable sharing their struggles and receiving support from others.

Inclusion is also key to creating a supportive community. This means creating space for women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to come together and connect. It means actively seeking out different perspectives and valuing the contributions of all women, regardless of their background or identity.

Taking Action: Speaking Up and Making a Difference

One of the most important ways to support women's wellness and performance is to speak out against inequality. If we witness injustice and remain silent, we are complicit in allowing it to continue. By speaking up and taking action, we can make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others.

This can involve advocating for policy changes, supporting organisations that promote women's rights, and speaking out against discrimination and bias in our own communities. It can also involve taking a stand in our personal and professional lives by refusing to tolerate unfair treatment and demanding equal opportunities and respect.

Legacy Building: Creating a Better Future for Women

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it is important to remember that the fight for equality is ongoing. We must continue to work towards creating a better future for women by leaving behind a legacy of empowerment and equality.

This means supporting and mentoring future generations of women, advocating for policies that promote gender equality, and working to break down barriers that prevent women from achieving their full potential.

We can also draw inspiration from the many women who have come before us and made a difference in their communities and beyond. Women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Malala Yousafzai, and Gloria Steinem have paved the way for women's rights and equality, and we can learn from their example as we work towards creating a better world for all women.

Closing:

In closing, I invite you to join me in celebrating International Women's Day by embracing equality and supporting women's wellness and performance.

By understanding the impact of inequality on women, building a community of empowered women, taking action to speak out against injustice, and leaving behind a legacy of equality, we can make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others.

Remember that we are all perfectly imperfect, and that by showing respect, inclusion, and compassion towards one another, we can create a world where all women can thrive.