The Journey of 1000 Steps

''The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth’’- African proverb

Those that came before us have such great wise words that can teach us so much. I think about what the person who said this proverb saw, lived or experienced that made her/him to say such profound words. When I connect this with what we are experiencing in this day and age, I wholly understand in my own way what this means.

I loosely translate this to mean that, any person not happy with status quo, will go against the grain to challenge it.

This is exactly what we are seeing now with so many women who are going against the grain and challenging the patriarchy systems that have held back and placed so many barriers that limit women from getting access to same equal opportunities.

Women are starting companies, building homes, doing businesses in their terms, hell, even starting banks! All this because the village didn’t embrace us women.

Change is here.Period.

That’s why I love celebrating all those women and men who came before us, those who paved the way, those who blazed the trails, those who challenged the status quo, and those who even lost their lives so women could get one step closer to equality.

IWD to me, is about acknowledging, appreciating and celebrating all those behind us, and also appreciating those that are currently carrying on with the fight.

To say that I have been incredibly lucky, would be an understatement. I have been so blessed to be surrounded by tribes of fiercely incredible and courages women and men, who give to the course so selflessly, without expecting anything in return.

The EWPN, AWFP, Dali Spaces and InvestFem communities are just examples of what sisterhood means.

One courageous woman is all it takes for 1000 more women to find courage to challenge the status quo!

We are still years away from achieving 100% gender equality. The fight goes on! This International Women's Day, be that One woman to inspire other women!

As we move forward, I will continue to use my voice, platform and every tool that I have to support the challenge. In my own way, and through collaboration with others, I will do my part to ensure that we continue paving ways for those coming behind us.

Shout to all women out there fighting everyday for women's equality and rights!

Keep the torch burning as we continue on this journey of 1000 steps towards equality and equity! Happy Women's Day!