Lately, it seems that everywhere we turn there are issues on both the domestic and global front. We are dealing with a lot lately and while I don't want to minimize any of these critical situations, I feel it is important to balance our intake to keep perspective. So, for a moment, let's turn our attention to the celebration of women.
I’ve had the privilege of having some powerful women in my life and I love that I get to honor them every day, but especially on International Women’s Day. The man, father, husband, friend, and professional I am in due in no small part to my grandmother, mother, and wife. This year the theme of the day is #BreakTheBias. The organization challenges us to Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination for all, not simply women alone. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive of all. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality and spread the message of equality across causes.
There is no better day than today to not only honor the women in your life but to take advantage of some unique and fun opportunities that the International Women’s Day organization makes available to everyone. I’d like to share a few that I feel are not only impactful but also really fun and unique with you.
Celebrating Women Who Redefine the Future of Business (11:00 AM PST)
Videos to watch or submit your own!
I’d love to see our community do this one! Simple and easy, cross your arms, smile, and take a picture with yourself, friends, family, co-workers, then upload it here.
As I say on each day of celebration, this is a time to appreciate the achievements of those we celebrate that day. To celebrate the women who have made so much possible in our lives. The collective history of American women is abundant and full of battles won, causes elevated, and positive changes. International Women's Day has been observed since the early 1900s - a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies. There was unrest, debate, and dissatisfaction among women during this time. The oppression of women and blatant inequality stoked the fire for women to vocalize and become active in creating change for themselves. Then in 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights, and with that, a social movement for the equality and elevation of women was born.
It is hard to believe that we ever suppressed the rights of women in this country. As we modernize and advance at a breakneck pace, the idea that women aren’t equal can almost feel foreign and distant, yet women are still not paid the same as men. Across the world, women struggle for independence, simple human rights, the ability to be free, make their own choices, thrive, and prosper. It is our job to support change that will continue to force the equal treatment of women. Our future, as both Americans and global citizens, depends on it. Why?
Because each and every one of us was made possible by a woman!
Today I thank every single woman in my life from the depths of my heart because they each make a huge difference in my world. So, Michelle, Mom, Grandma, Tina, and all the special women in my life, thank you, thank you, thank you.