“No one is YOU, and that is your Power!”
Happy International Women’s Day!
March has always been special to me. My birthday! It follows Black History Month, and it’s Women’s History Month, although here in Canada, it’s celebrated in October. And of course March 8 is IWD.
Let me begin by acknowledging and appreciating every woman with whom I have interacted over these many years. This space won’t allow me to name names, but you know yourselves. Thanks for the privilege of having me in your circle.
I will also start with a quote that my friend Marjorie Taylor shared with me this week. It’s from a speech that Senator Paulette Senior, ICD.D made several years ago, and it’s so appropriate for these times:
👊🏾How we meet the challenges that come our way depends largely on our mindset.
👊🏾If we believe others have power over us, they do.
👊🏾If we believe we are powerful, we are.
👊🏾If we believe life happens to us, it does.
👊🏾If we believe, with the help and guidance of our creator, we can build a life of true love, happiness and success we will.
👊🏾I choose to believe the latter. I choose positivity. I choose a mindset that empowers me to rise every day to make a difference.”
Thank you Senator Senior for all you do for women! Sending you hugs🤗 and prayers🙏.
So, as we reflect on this year’s theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” (as designated by UN Women), as well as the hashtag InspireInclusion, let’s accept all the well wishes, but also let’s get serious!
💥When it comes to leadership roles for women, the numbers are dismal. According to the McKinsey / Lean In 2024 Report, “At every stage of the pipeline, women are as committed to their careers and as interested in being promoted as men.” Yes, we are equally ambitious!
💥The gender and pay gaps aren’t narrowing fast enough! Download the Barely Breaking Ground report below.
💥Reshma Saujani, said, “It’s not about whether we are qualified, prepared or ready! We have already read those books, taken those courses, and that one more class. It’s our time to lead!” That’s right!
Here’s my ask: As individuals, we might not be able to do much, collectively we can do a whole lot! At a time whengDEI initiatives are under attack, let’s engage in some candid conversations, put allyship to work and become collaborators and co-conspirators. These actions will move the needle.
In the Equity at Work webinar hosted by The Globe and Mail Events yesterday, one panellist said, “The pendulum swings back and forth, but it never goes back to its original place.” That’s true!
Let’s get to work!
RESOURCES:
➡Watch this 13-minute video with Rha Goddess and Deepa Purushothaman: https://bit.ly/4ckTsFN
➡Thanks Melissa Coloton for re-sharing this clip of Reshma who I quoted above: https://bit.ly/3wNl0Dl
➡Thanks to Riva Gold for sharing the Barely Breaking Ground resource in her post today: https://bit.ly/3V4SUgU
