#EachforEqual – I am Generation Equal. What does this mean to you?

My employer setup a write-up submission competition on the topic below to gain entry into
"The United Nations International Women's Day Breakfast 2020" in Brisbane, Australia. My write-up below made the cut and it was a humbling experience to be one of the very few people representing my company at such a coveted event, and absorb the vibe and energy of extremely accomplished women.  

#EachforEqual – I am Generation Equal.  What does this mean to you?

In an era where women are mocked for hypocrisy and double standards about Equality and Empowerment,  #EachForEqual to me sounds like an unstated norm of life, which needs contextual redefining every now and then.

When a woman is denied promotion post childbirth, I am that woman who would rally behind the new mom to redefine equal opportunity and uphold empowerment.

When a woman suffers a gender-based pay gap, I am that woman who would redefine pay equality regardless of gender or race and be a crusader for pay-parity.

But, when a woman at a workplace is being coaxed by her male manager to raise a harassment complaint against another male co-worker to eliminate him from being a potential threat as a contender to his managerial position, then I am that woman who would stand by that male co-worker. I would redefine the liberties women are granted to accuse men of harassment. #EachForEqual to me is also about standing by every righteous man because you are a woman, and your opinion matters more in such vulnerable circumstances.

And when a woman physically assaults innocent public, and the men onlookers stand still watching the spectacle, afraid of interfering due to the fear of being accused of harassment against women, that is when I am that woman who would redefine empowerment. I would stand by every man who would lawfully do the needful to stop the physical assault and give no special status to the assailant for being a woman.

That would be my true calling of I am Generation Equal.

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?

            
 My employer setup a write-up submission competition on the topic below to gain entry into
"The United Nations International Women's Day Breakfast 2020" in Brisbane, Australia. My write-up  below made the cut and it was a humbling experience to be one of the very few people representing my company at such a coveted event, and absorb the vibe and energy of extremely accomplished women. 

Why is International Women's Day important to you?

International Women's Day to me is important because it serves as a reminder to allow myself to dream big, be guilt free to accept the great things that come my way, be fearless to desire for growth and set new goals without feeling culpable of being a careerist or a feminazi.

In many cultures, women are raised to make good with what is left over for them after the men in the family have been given the best.

Women grow up believing that they are lucky if they are educated, because somewhere on this same planet, another woman is not being allowed to step out of the house.

Women grow up trusting that they are fortunate if they are hired by an organisation, because somewhere on this same planet, another woman is being executed for wishing to be financially independent.

Women grow up assuming that they are blessed to have found someone who loves them, and they feel further blessed if they were gifted with the ability to procreate, because they are told that their purpose on earth is to take the human race further.

Women grow up feeling privileged if they have not been abused. And if they have been abused, they convince themselves that things could have been worse, and they gracefully move on.

So, in essence, women, most often than not, attribute all of their accomplishments to the society which has “enabled” them to succeed, but never appreciate their own journey of hardships, sacrifices, sincere efforts, long nights and their sheer devotion, dedication and determination.

This to me is the warning bell for lack of self-worth.

And March 8th – The International Women’s Day is that much needed wake-up call to jolt every woman out of that misconception of being lucky.

While a woman could be grateful to her society, she still needs to accept her accomplishments as her own, and this day serves as a reminder to every woman, every year, consistently, that she is the ONLY rightful owner of all her victories and be guilt free to aspire for more.

Women need solidarity in bolstering this acceptance and unfortunately, for now, we women need this external nudge to accept our own triumphs.

And what better way than International Women’s Day in establishing this solidarity!