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BY JULIA CARREON-LAGOC
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Thursday, March 9, 2017
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THIS YEAR’S theme for the International Women’s Day, March 8, 2017, applies to all of us: BE BOLD FOR CHANGE. Forget gender. Man or woman. Old or young. Bystanders should be shaken, if they’re not in the thick of the struggle for the betterment of humankind, male or female. More than ever, a call to action is imperative.
A look back to 1908: “Great unrest and critical debate was occurring amongst women. Women’s oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. Then in 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.” It was in 1908 when thousands of womankind marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights
Onward to 1996 when the United Nations began the adoption of an annual theme for womankind. From “Celebrating the past, Planning for the Future” was followed by themes that challenged the whole of humanity for the promotion of women welfare. Indeed a long timeline journey for the female half of the species. (Or, have we outnumbered the men already? Statistics will show, but hey, the disparity doesn’t really matter.)
How quickly can gender equality be achieved? The UN has suggestions for your BE BOLD FOR CHANGE campaign — within your own organization:
* CALL FOR ACTION: ask friends and colleagues what bold actions they’re taking to help drive gender parity (e.g. take a junior woman to a client or sales meeting; challenge organizers of all-male speaking panels; launch a purposeful female-focused initiative; educate boys about stereotypes and violence against women; nominate women for senior jobs; donate time to a female-focused charity; mentor a woman; form a support network; etc)
* DECLARE ACTION: ask friends and colleagues to declare bold action on the IWD website
* DOWNLOAD SELFIE CARDS: use the #BeBoldForChange selfie cards for social media amplification
* DOWNLOAD POSTERS: download the #BeBoldForChange posters and ask colleagues to write or add yellow sticky notes for their bold actions
* EMBED WIDGET: embed the #BeBoldForChange widget on your own website or intranet and call for others to declare their bold action
* THUNDERCLAP YOUR SUPPORT: lend your support via the #BeBoldForChange Thunderclap to help drive wider awareness about gender parity.
The UN concludes: “Make everyday International Women’s Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.” Yes, our own teeny-weeny bit under the sun. Under the grand scheme of things.
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On a lighter vein, here’s wishful thinking from the Internet about the Three Wise Women:
Do you know what would have happened if there had been THREE WISE WOMEN instead of THREE WISE MEN?
They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the Baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and given practical gifts.
Forget gold, incense, or myrrh. Shall we cope right with every situation? (juliaclagoc@yahoo.com)
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Julia Carreon-Lagoc was a columnist of Panay News for two decades. She pops up with Accents now and then./PN
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