“Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.” (https://www.internationalwomensday.com/)
Yesterday International House was happy to open its doors to the Charlotte International Women’s Day event where women and men from our community came together to celebrate and support breaking the bias. For over a century the world has celebrated the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of ALL women. Let's take a moment to highlight some of these amazing women and the historical moments we’ve seen in 2021 alone;
Amanda Gorman became the youngest known inaugural poet,
Kamala Harris became the first female Vice President of the US,
Sarah McBride was sworn in as the first openly transgender state senator,
Kaja Kallas became the first female Prime Minister of Estonia
Chloé Zhao became the first Asian woman to win a Golden Globe for best director and
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala became the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization since it was founded in 1995.
The only way we can continue to push forward, breaking down bias and fighting for equality is to continue to ‘hold the door’ for others. Be a positive force that empowers women across the globe, enabling further inclusion and equality. Women are half of the population, imagine the changes that can happen if we supported each other fully.
Hold the door. Offer kindness over criticism or judgment. Stand together instead of apart.
As we celebrate the wins and the positive changes, it is vital that we also remember the conflicts and struggles that continue to rise around us. There is still more to be done. We must celebrate, support, and empower others not only on International Women’s Day but every day until our world is one that lacks bias and discrimination, where women do not need to fight for their rights to be treated equally. #BreaktheBias #IWD2022