#IWD2022: Break the Bias

Yes, we do this yearly. We have a different theme every year. However, this one speaks so much about what we are seeing now, and it sure does involve me as I am a fierce advocate of gender equality.

Well, I do not need to go very far. We celebrate International Women's Day annually. According to the International Women's Day website, it is a day where everyone celebrates the global, “social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.” Let me emphasize the word "women." The day is also a celebration where we pay tribute and pay regard to all the forms of women. We still see the existence of gender gaps out there. I find it irritating when people tell me that my existence will not create a difference in society. I am showing my barrel of sass here and say, "Excuse me, bitch?" I have made strides and created a difference for the people I care about and am sure to others, too. It is not a way of bragging but let me tell you when I say, I may be one, but I am unstoppable. I will continue being fab and fearless.

Thanks to optionsforsexualhealth website for the photo

Let me put this in simple terms. Gender diversity is a fair representation of genders. The belief that women should not be leading a company is so outdated. Let us talk about the causes of gender inequality lack of legal protections for women, access to education and health care and racism. Gender wage is still a thing. According to Statistics Canada 2016, "the gender wage gap is larger for racialized women." It also included, "women who are newcomers, women with disabilities, Indigenous women, and trans women." Although the study was six years ago, there has not been much different from the 2018 report from Statistics Canada. In 2018, female employees aged 25 to 54 earned $4.13 (or 13.3%) less per hour, on average, than their male counterparts. In other words, these women earned $0.87 for every dollar earned by men. As a healthcare worker, I still see inaccessibility to healthcare for women. These are the issues, and we have policies that we can attach to these issues. However, that can be on a separate post. Moreover, I also wanted to focus on the positives.

Properly addressing these issues can be very touchy. When we do not talk about it, when is the right time; to do so? Speak out. Reach out.

We have seen discrimination, abuse, and inequality done to women daily. It is all over the news, social media, workplace and probably in your household, too. Properly addressing these issues can be very touchy. When we do not talk about it, when is the right time; to do so? Speak out. Reach out. My wish is we can solve these issues plaguing us. We commit to helping each other. We should seek progress. By then, we will see courageous women coming out of their tribulations and hardships victorious. Women's problems as they are not significant. Wrong, we can unlock limitless potential and provide unique opportunities to every woman out there. We are seeing formidable women leaders, entrepreneurs, youths, and artists who are working towards making the world an equitable place.

See me, Rise!

I wanted to celebrate all the outstanding contributions of women around the world. So many ways where we can empower each other. The theme is "breaking the bias." It is time to properly identify the biases in the workplace, the community, school and at home. Call them out, provide education and increase awareness. We have much work to do in building a society free of discrimination, gender biases, stereotypes and gender disparity. We need to inspire one another. Involve the younger generation in creating strong and extraordinary women.

Why don't you celebrate the strong women in your life today? No, Every day!