ON THIS: International Women's Day 2021
ALT TEXT: Text states : International Women's day in purple font accompanied by the logo before the words, #ChooseToChallenge in white font, Monday, March 8, 2021 in white font with a purple box around it. The background is an ombre of pink

ON THIS: International Women's Day 2021

The other day, I watched Netflix’s Moxie with one of my close friends. (Don’t worry we watched it together virtually! Social distancing and everything!)  

Netflix Moxie photo. The poster is in black and white. In the centre is says "find your voice. Near the bottom, the main characters, Claudia, Kiera, Lucy, Vivian, Kaitlynn, CJ and Seth  look like they are screaming. Across them is the word Moxie in red font.

How fitting is it that it was released before #InternationalWomensDay2021!?

It was so empowering to watch a movie that emphasized the idea of being a rebel girl!

However, as we were watching, we noticed that it wasn’t only about one type of voice for gender inequality, but the varying ways it can be portrayed. There were instances that highlighted double standards for women, the model minority myth, recognizing transgendered experiences, treatment of disabled people and overall systemic oppression. (Sure, yes, the movie glossed over some of these instances but they were there). The movie didn’t just highlight the main characters fighting for equality, but all the little details and intersectionalities that come with fighting for equality.

As we celebrate and promote the accomplishments of women around the world today, remember that there is more than one type of “women’s” voice. We are all facing some sort of uphill battle due to our varying experiences, backgrounds, stage in life, the society we live in, biases, and as of recently, the pandemic. Each experience creates a different perspective for how we would like to see equality play out in society.

Today, I #ChooseToChallenge everyone to celebrate the challenges and accomplishments of varying lived experiences and stories from race, disability (visible and non-visible), transgendered, and so many others that have contributed to our journey of equality.

International Women's Day is not only about having more women in the boardroom or in leadership positions - although it helps and it shouldn't be a one-day-only celebration. It's about recognizing the intricacies it took for us to get where we are now, and what lies ahead of us, to makes sure society properly reflects and recognizes the different equality narratives present, today and every day.

So, Happy International Women’s Day!... But there is still work to be done! 

Malika Asthana

Future of Work and Learning @ D2L

3 年

So well said Bianca. There is much to do and it is important to #ChooseToChallenge everyone to listen first, amplify the voices of those calling for change, and act in concert with those whose lives you're seeking to transform. Intersectionality matters.

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