I am honored to have the opportunity to write to you on this special and meaningful day - the International Women’s Day.
As I was putting my words together, I couldn’t avoid the question: Why do we even need a women’s day?
Well, as Ayn Rand once said: “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me!”
Since the beginning of recorded history, women as individuals have lived under unequal and often oppressive conditions.
Their quest for self-determination and independence has always faced high walls of opposition. Women were brought up to live by the rules; to abide by conventions and restrictions.
We must remember that the journey towards emancipation has only started a century ago.
Over time, women started stepping out of the history that was written for them and that was holding them back.
Women began writing, creating their own story.
But clearly much is still to be done!
The last year, 2017, has been overwhelming and an important milestone in our struggle for a better, safer, healthier life for women. Yes, Women are rising!!
The #MeToo campaign has shown that once women have found their voice, no one can stop them from using it.
Women are more engaged, energised and determined than ever.
Through the action of a few courageous women, we are now redefining and restructuring our world, a world in which everyone is dealt with the same deck of cards; the same set of tools.
As Oprah Winfrey once said: “We must step out of the history that is holding us back and step into the new story we are willing to create.”
Issues that were long ignored and covered up, are finally coming up to the surface; Women are speaking up demanding real change.
Truly, I feel optimistic for 2018 as:
Women are rising up and taking the women’s movement into the mainstream. They are organising, marching and building influence no one can ignore. These silence breakers, as named by Time Magazine, “Person of The Year”, are not just speaking up but are being heard!
Women’s political power is on the rise with significantly more women running for leadership and office around the world. Women in politics and government have now become an essential part of reflective democracy. The need for women’s voices has never been so clear.
Even the most powerful men, are now being held accountable in cases of sexual harassment and assault. Like never before, such behavior is finally backlashing as we see these men losing their jobs, their reputation and businesses, facing the harshest public judgement. Large Corporations are issuing strong statements and are taking clear actions, finally demonstrating zero tolerance for women’s abuse.
Seems to me that 2018 has indeed had a good start, yet a lot of hard work is still ahead of us. I would like to say that every change starts small, but can make a huge difference. Don’t give up and strive!
As a great woman once said: “Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”
Together we shall make it,
Yours,
Sigal Atzmon