Choose to Challenge!
Last month I asked you what word or words would you choose to motivate you, guide you and inspire you for 2021, and I shared with you that for me those words would be compassion and hope.
As I type this newsletter to you from my hotel room on the Gold Coast, I find myself reflecting on the fact that yesterday was the first time I flew in a plane to travel across Australia in almost a year. Something I used to do every other week and took for granted has now become an experience I savour, marvel at and feel so much gratitude for.
We are so lucky to be living in a country where once again travel and freedom of movement are available to us. To have options such as these is indeed a luxury I will no longer take for granted, and options are what millions of people around the world will be denied for some time to come, while their countries and communities still battle with the devastating and debilitating effects of the global pandemic.
I reflect on this notion of options and the existing inequities that exist and have been exacerbated by COVID-19, as we approach International Women's Day this year.
On 8th March we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality, an issue that has been of particular concern and focuses over the last year as the pandemic has shone a light on the disproportionate impact that COVID has had on girls and women around the world.
The global UN Women theme for 2021 is 'Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world' and the campaign theme is #ChooseToChallenge.
The theme celebrates the tremendous efforts of women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future, particularly in these difficult times, and calls upon us all to take further action.
A challenging world is an alert world.
Individually, we are all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. Much has been achieved but so much more work needs to be done if we are to achieve true equity of opportunity and choice for all, regardless of their sex.
We can choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements.
Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.
From challenge comes change, so will you use your voice and influence to choose to be the change you wish to see?
