Each for Equal ~ are we there yet?

Yesterday was International Women’s day and I find myself having to bring my thoughts to paper. It is not what I planned for the day, but it is getting in the way of focusing on client work — so I best get it out so I can get back to the tasks at hand. 

I followed social media feeds in the days leading up to and on #IWD2020. I enjoyed the visuals of women coming together to share experiences and acknowledge progress, but to also recognize the work that needs to be done. I saw great men by their sides celebrating with them. I read inspiring posts of women celebrating the humans — such as their great life partners — that supported them on the journey to where they are. I celebrated the day by supporting one of my favourite female humans in her efforts to further her noble work by developing funding sources for those who might not otherwise have access to the services. While I can say with certainty that International Women’s Day 2020 was both impactful and positive, I could also ask why we need to set a day aside to focus on a gender. 

Recently, social media provided me with the privilege of having my first Little Sister connect with me. While I was a matched Big Sister for many years, I clearly remember her and our time together fondly. When she reached out, I was so honoured for the opportunity to reconnect. I believe that this was not random; I know there will be gifts for me to see and hear through this reconnection. 

Today, one of those gifts presented itself.  She posted an article this morning, written by ABC Australia, that discusses how IWD is not a celebration for Indigenous women International-women’s-day-aboriginal-women-no-celebrationI know that this article hits home for her, as she is an Indigenous woman.  Now I have two reactions to deal with; my observation of IWD and the observation of a woman I have a fond connection with.  

I also have another story playing in my mind of a dear friend who has a life purpose of using her art to move humanity forward. Through her work, she changes lives of children and women in DRC. (read – saves life of children and women in the DRC) https://theartofcourage.ca/ 

So here I am stepping forward with the understanding — for a mostly European woman born in Canada — the celebration of IWD feels significantly more pleasant for me. 

So maybe, just maybe, that is why we have International Women’s Day…so that all women can have a pleasant International Women's Day. So that this year’s hashtag of #eachforequal can ring true for ALL women, in Canada, in Democratic Republic of Congo, and in Australia. So that next year, I remember that my social media feed does not show the truth of every woman of the world and to maybe give a hand or a voice to someone who isn’t being heard. 

There is no nationality, gender or sexual orientation that is less or more deserving than another. That #eachforequal campaigns will be required to give life to the voices of those who are not being heard, with the FULL belief that giving a voice to everyone resides in a space of abundance. There is space for EVERYONE to be heard and valued.