Monday, August 26th we celebrated National Women’s Equality Day recognizing the passage of the 19th amendment in 1920 which gave women the right to vote.
Honestly, I know I should be celebrating this victory. But I’m having a hard time getting in the mood.
Hey, don’t get me wrong. I’m beyond grateful to those gutsy, courageous suffragettes.
But recently I listened to a Ted Talk by one of my favorite actresses, read a WSJ profile of an acclaimed microbiologist and coached a high-level executive…all of whom wearily spoke of their struggles with sexism.
Clearly full equality is far from won. The Equal Rights Amendment, proposed in 1923, has yet to be ratified. Face it, we can’t rely on the government to level the playing field for us.
If we want a seat at the table, it’s our job to take it. We can start by becoming the change we want to see in the world.
Call it a grassroots effort, a personal challenge. What if we each celebrate National Women’s Equality Day by taking on this challenge with the same ferocity and fortitude demonstrated by the suffragettes?
How? Here are a few simple suggestions. And, while they may be simple, they take tremendous courage and commitment.
- Notice every time you devalue yourself or dismiss your strengths and STOP, immediately shifting your focus to the unique and valuable the gifts you have to offer.
- Notice where you give your power away and strive to take it back by speaking up—asking for what you want, saying ‘no’ to what you don’t—in your home, your community, your workplace.
- Notice when you feel scared, isolated or helpless and make yourself reach out for support, then offer to help and encourage others in this endeavor.
I truly believe, when enough women see themselves as worthy, capable, powerful individuals, there will be a notable transformation in the national landscape.
Perhaps then we’ll be celebrating National Equality Day for All.
Will you join me? Leave me a comment below.