An Equal Measure of Success
By Cat Wilson
All Women Are Created Equal
Did you hear about Women’s Equality Day? Yes, it was created to commemorate the passing of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote on August 26, 1920. Also, it is a day to observe full equal opportunity in workplaces, organizations and public facilities. Funny thing, I don’t remember my mother celebrating being equal as much as I remember other holidays.
Just to be sure I hadn’t missed the announcements, I went into town and listened for tingling bells by men in red suits at the supermarket, but only heard about the daily specials from speakers. Maybe I missed the parade of women on floats covered with flowers, celebrating equal rights for all women. (I’m not always aware of the parades.) I’d hoped to see banners above the streets announcing that all women could come in for a free opportunity that day, but this day went sort of unnoticed.
Many women have laced our schools and businesses as great inventors, scientists, artists, musicians, writers, engineers, doctors, leaders, and teachers. Yet, they seem to be forgotten. I’m a business owner, and I’m hoping that more women are asking for the career they want and the pay to go along. Women make particularly good leaders, and sometimes when you didn’t even know they were operating behind the scenes.
Women rule with a quiet power. Compassion, cooperation, and collaboration – these are mottos I hear from many. When you take a look at key performance indicators, you may actually find that quite a bit gets accomplished by our workingwomen.
Here are just a few names that you may recognize:
Jane Austen, English Novelist
Dr. Candace Pert, American Neuroscientist
Hillary Rodham Clinton, American Policician and Diplomat
Princess Diana Frances, Princess of Wales, and known for her international charity work
Oprah Gail Winfrey, American Talk Show Host, Actress, Producer, Philanthropist
Mother Teresa, Indian Roman Catholic Sister known for extensive community work in India & World
You may have instant recognition for these women. That’s good. However, was there instant reward by society? What reward did they receive for their efforts? Was it sufficient to support them in their lives and did they achieve the status they desired? These are questions I could only answer if I spoke with each of them, but I’ll bet you have an idea…
At this moment, albeit a few days later, I’d like to ask you to take a silent moment and let all the women come into your mind who have played a role in your world. Then, send a silent appreciation through your heart to say, “Thanks. You’re great!” I’ll wait…
Ok. Now, for those of you who have the power to make the difference in the wages of women, the roles, and opportunities, please do. Allow equal opportunities to all those “A Players” who want to contribute their highest and best possible. Who knows? Maybe your world could become a better place. Thank you.
OK. Some of you are men reading this, and I’m so glad you popped in to see what’s here. I just want you to know that come November 19th we will be recognizing you for International Men’s Day.
The objective of this holiday will be to focus on men’s and boys’ health, improving gender relations, and promoting gender equality as well as highlighting the positive masculine models.
All of us are heroes in our own right. Let’s celebrate everybody on their special day as a Hero. See you here at Apositiva for The Hero’s Journey on September 11th. Bring your female Hero. R.S.V.P. 503-525-0595