The January 1 New Year celebration brings new goals and inspires innovation. For women, this New Year celebration may be eclipsed by the March 8 commemoration created just for them: International Women’s Day. Once a paradox, now an international movement so strong, you feel its pulse around the globe. 

International Women’s Day is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions—whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe. This day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike. The growing international women’s movement—which has been strengthened by four global United Nations women’s conferences—has helped make the commemoration a rallying point to build support for women’s rights and participation in the political and economic arenas. 

This is what I know: 

The world needs who you were made to be. The theme for International Women’s Day 2019 is “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change.” This is a day that belongs to you. It is a day to commend all you’ve accomplished. But the truth is the road to accomplishment is long and persevering. I had a difficult, chaotic childhood. I coveted the normal mother/daughter relationship. For the majority of my dejected young life, I was enamored by strong, badass women. These were women I aspired to become, ones who coexisted despite marriages, divorces and different backgrounds. Women who supported one another unconditionally. Women who defended others. Women who had pride, compassion, a voice, and a shoulder. Women who wanted to take a stand—and were afraid—but more afraid if they declined to hold their truth by standing down. 

A badass woman doesn’t have time for women who don’t support other women. She dedicates herself to uplifting the women in her life, and if someone is cruel or harmful to people, she’s not going to allow it. She knows the importance and beauty of helping others, which is what makes her so amazing. These leaders are achieving outcomes for their communities that are totally unexpected. Their actions are lessons in courage, boldness and resilience. 

I know to appreciate perspective. I have such a deep appreciation for Maya Angelou. Reading her work and trying to dissect the essence of her words indeed heightens my personal perspective.
“When you know better, you do better.” 

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” 

I know that I want you to make every success matter. Your success as a woman is a success for all women. Part of that success is having a place at the table for other women. Collaborate, don’t compete. Competition thrives on insecurities. Identify those women you feel you’re sitting across the table from and sit next to them. Find common ground. Wanting women to succeed without jealousy is the definition of grace. Those simple words “you can sit with us” are life changing. 

My objectivity is shaped by my own upbringing, experiences and opportunities. I can’t pretend to know what it’s like to be someone else. I don’t purport to have all the answers or know how to solve all the problems. But I do have a personal conviction, and I am a woman who’s lived through my fair share of mean girl moments. 

I know you have the right to march and cast your voice. “When a woman rises up in her glory, her energy is magnetic, and her sense of possibility contagious.”—Marianne Williamson
Unleashed. Its remarkable and world-changing to witness men and women come together in a momentum to bravely confront the status quo. There is a real existence of glass ceilings and external limitations, but when women gain economic power, the world changes. It’s your power to implement comprehensive change. 

I know it takes a global village to promote the efforts International Women’s Day aims to shine a light on. But closer to home, we can all make small differences in our own workplaces that one day will add up to a world of difference when equality exists for all women. Embracing, encouraging and celebrating diversity is critical to successful change the advancement and acknowledgement of women worldwide. We must have zero tolerance to any behaviors or attitudes that do not encourage this. 

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. 

The best way to predict the future is to create it.