I Want There To Not Be A Day

I have been in this fight for equality for as long as I can recall . . .

At an early age I confronted it head-on with a fire in my gut that was developed by my headstrong young single mother that reminded me every damn day “you are more than enough and as long as you put in the work - you deserve everything anyone else does”. 

I’ve been vocal in every instance I personally experienced and every instance where I’ve witnessed anyone being treated less than due to race, gender or income bracket — and still am to this very day. 

International Women’s Day stands for everything important to me as a woman : equal opportunity, equal pay — EQUAL. But ... days like this, while they fill me with confidence based off of what the true messaging is meant to convey; also leave me with a heavy heart. 

It’s fantastic that there’s a day to shine a light on women and the issues faced. But I want more. I want there to not be a day. I want every day to be equal. For everyone - EVERYONE.

Simply, equal.

I’m done with corporations jumping on the bandwagon once a year in a public show of solidarity — only to go back to their ways the day after. I’m done with corporations marketing their pink colored “support” goodie bags. I’m done with corporate boards loaded with all male, mostly non-minority members taking cheesy selfies with hashtags they don’t fully understand. I’m done with social media users displaying their support via a Facebook photo border, but not physically doing anything to contribute to equality in their work life, personal life. I’m done with it all. I’m done.

I was a poor child.

I am Native American, Hispanic.

I am a woman.

I matter, EVERYONE matters ... and not just for one day a year, but 365.

#pressforprogress #equality

*originally published 03 09 2018 by MMedranoAntweil