For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment

I reflect on this year’s UN theme for International Women’s Day—For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment—and I cast my mind to what this means for me. The capitalized ALL speaks to absolute inclusion. It is not enough for some to enjoy these rights while others are denied them. What does this mean for me?

I was raised by a strong woman who, in turn, was raised by an equally strong woman. Hard work and resilience were woven into the fabric of our upbringing, even as we navigated a patriarchal system. There was never a question of whether we could; it was always a question of how we would. That resilience is now my inheritance, my foundation, and my responsibility.

What Is Within My Locus of Control?

As a mother – My greatest role is investing in education, incubating curiosity, and inspiring innovation and pride in my daughter. She carries within her the blood of powerful women, and it is my duty to remind her of that strength.

As the CEO of an all-female executive team (by circumstance, not by design) – I have learned that everyone has a seat at the table. We celebrate the incompleteness of each of us as individuals but the completeness we achieve as a team. This is the power of solidarity.

As a friend – Empowerment comes in many forms: a listening ear, a word of encouragement, the role of connector, clarifier, or simply a thinking partner. Women hold space for one another in ways that are both simple and profound.

As a social justice advocate – Owning my seat at the table, even when I am shaking in it. Showing up. Learning. Failing. Starting again. Because if I do not claim my space, who will do it for me?

As an aunt to many nieces – Encouraging their dreams and supporting their journeys toward contentment and joy. After all, a purposeful life is one where we fully embrace our rights and freedoms.

The Power of Owning Our Stories

In 2022, I spoke at a women’s forum and shared my story—my humble beginnings, the struggles, and the shame of poverty. I spoke about how our origins do not define or limit our destinations. I spoke about the warriors in my life—not those armed with capes and shields, but those armed with love, compassion, kind eyes, and an unwavering will to take the bull by the horns and run with it.

What I did not realize in that moment was the power of owning my narrative. As I choked back tears recalling my past, others saw reflections of their own realities. As I steadied my voice, others found strength. Those seven minutes were not just cathartic for me; they were empowering for others. Because when one woman owns her story, she creates space for others to own theirs.

What Can I Do?

On this International Women’s Day, I ask myself, What can I do? And the answer is simple: Be your authentic self. It is enough. It has always been enough. It will always be enough.


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