Today is International Women’s Day and I’m feeling torn.
Part of me wants to celebrate loudly every woman in my life who has, and does, inspire me. After all, women represent half the planet, bear children, and carry the lion’s share of responsibility for raising the next generation. We are pretty amazing.
But the stark reality is that women continue to do this without fair pay, opportunities or representation in positions of power.
Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, earlier this week said that we are
300 years away from gender equality. I find it quite depressing.
So Iโve been thinking โฆ
One way you can move the needle on your end is by overcoming your aversion to self-promotion.
.
We ๐๐ก๐ก have stories to tell —
but as women, we’re often too afraid to tell them.
I am sure you have your stories of failures, struggles and triumphs. And I bet you keep them safely hidden inside.
Because God forbid someone thinks we are “bragging.”
Because we were taught not to draw attention to ourselves.
So we shrink.
We mention our achievements in a boring list.
We maintain limp and minimalist LinkedIn profiles.
That’s what the centuries of the silencing by the patriarchy did to us.
Yet…
๐ค Sharing your story means showing possibilities to other women and paving the path that you have already walked on, so they have it easier.
๐ค Sharing your story helps you own it. It reminds you of who you are and how far you’ve come.
โ Today, on International Women’s Day, I am challenging every woman who feels squeamish about telling the story of what she’s up to in the world, and yet is passionately committed to gender equality:
Take up space.
Stop censoring yourself.
Don’t let anyone silence you.
Use your voice to inspire others.
Discard your old fear of speaking up.
Share your story with pride and intention.
๐๐ปโโ๏ธ It is time to tell your story.
Do you accept the challenge?
Whatโs your story?
.
Share it with me first, if you like. ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ
Happy International Womenโs Day!
With love,
Nadira