When I was a teenager, my mom enrolled me in a summer program called, “Gifted and Growing.” I spent a week (maybe two?) at a local college with other young women from all over the world. I don’t recall much, to be honest, other than the emphasis was on our aptitude and abilities. We were validated for being bright and the implicit undertone was that we had what it takes to soar in this world.
We did. We do. All women do.
Today is International Women’s Day.
I think of my grandmothers today. I think of my mom. I think of my nieces. I think of my daughter.
I think of my own five decades- the dreams, the goals, the visions… the reality.
We are making progress but there is a long way to go.
May we one day create a world…
That is free of bias, labels, stereotypes, and discrimination.
Where female voices and ideas and opinions are heralded without measure.
Where women have a seat at the table where their compassion, their sensitivity, their ability to “pause and breathe” before reaction are regarded as assets not deficits.
Where appearances and accessories and attire are not invitations for comment.
Where maternity leave is celebrated by employers because it means a new life is coming into the world.
Where affirmations don’t need to be affixed to the backside of bathroom stalls because we will already hold these truths to be self-evident.
Where little girls can dream in color and not have those dreams drowned in disappointment.
Where diversity, equality, and inclusivity are the norm… not the goal.
When there doesn’t have to be “a day” to call attention to the fact that women are phenomenal.
Not greater than.
Not less than.
Simply phenomenal.
Some day.
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