#Be Bold For Change
International Women’s Day.
Today, March 8, is a day we celebrate women all over the globe and the amazing contributions we have made to better the world. By recognizing the economical, social, political, and cultural accomplishments of women, we can make our voices loud and proud to continue the fight for equality. Be bold to make change. #BeBoldForChange
Here are some interesting facts to understand why International Women’s Day is so important.
Yes, women have come a long way – but we have a long way to go.
- Only about 11% of Fortune 500 Chief Financial Officers (CFO) are women.
- A study released by the World Economic Forum reports the United States ranks 45 out of 144 countries in overall global parity. In other words, how close is the USA in closing the gender gap compared to other countries? The good news is, we nail it when it comes to educating our women! With education we should be able to bring up our ranking when it comes to electing more women to office and also improving healthcare and workplace discrepancies, but it will take time.
- In this same study, it was found that it will take until the year 2186 before the gender gap will close.
- One in five women are sexually assaulted. Often the male perpetrators get off with the slap of a hand.
- Most men are awesome and realize the value and impact of women in the workplace. But some need an education.
The world is making great strides towards equality between men and women and those who identify somewhere in between.
However, we need to educate ourselves and keep the conversation rolling about gender inequality. One of the most important things we can do, besides ensure our girls receive an education, is to elect more women into our governmental offices. Women lost their lives fighting to be sure other women would have the right to vote: use that right to put women in positions to make laws that will empower women equally with men. Think about this next time you might hesitate to vote. Be bold for change, just as our foremothers were.
Action Steps
- To learn more about progressive pioneers who advanced the health, education, culture, and legal rights of women, read this post about International Women’s Day with your children.
- Tweet #BeBoldForChange to learn more and engage in conversation about empowering women.
- Ask yourself: How will you teach your daughter to be bold? How will you teach your son to support their female family members and friends to be bold?
- Listen as Caroline Paul offers some suggestions about being brave and bold during her recent Ted Talk.
