“Why isn’t there an International Men’s Day?”
I hope you don’t hear this question today. But, if you do, here is what I would say in reply:
When women (and girls) have the same access as men (and boys) to
health care
education
positions of leadership
economic freedom
speaking roles in films and plays
seats on boards
jobs in tech
paid parental leave
When there are only leaders, executives, bus drivers, fire fighters, pilots, electricians, and scientists.
NOT women leaders, female executives, lady bus drivers, women fire fighters, female pilots, female electricians, and women scientists.
When we have pay parity.
When we have protection against sexual discrimination.
When we stop calling girls “bossy” and boys “leaders”.
When this list
of things to say
is considered ridiculous because
“of course” is the standard response.
THEN we can have a day in which we celebrate humanity and hu(wo)manity in equal partnership with each other.
Until then, let’s use today to #pressforprogress and to keep moving forward to #makewomenvisible
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced $170 million in funding for women. It will be used over the next four years to help women exercise their economic power through managing their own businesses and bank accounts. As Melinda Gates writes for Quartz:
“When money flows into the hands of women, everything changes.”
Melinda Gates
Please support women globally.
Click here to loan $25 to a woman seeking financial independence and a better way of life for her and her family, through KIVA.
Please support women locally.
Look for opportunities to support entrepreneurs, business owners, and people seeking money to make a life-changing difference in their lives, right in your own community.
Please support young women in education.
Young women and girls need to be visible in education. How are you ensuring gender parity in the way we represent women in sciences, math, economics, design, computing, sports, and the arts? We need to make it easy for all kids to see that things are man-made and WOman-made.
#pressforprogress
I am grateful to work in a school that values inclusion and enjoyed the opportunity this morning to share breakfast and think together about the role of women in our curriculum and the importance of ensuring equal voice in decision making and ideation.
sonya terborg 