What Will It Take to Achieve True Equality?

As the echoes of International Women’s Day still linger in the air, I find myself reflecting on the depth of what it truly means to honor, support, and uplift women.

Yesterday, we honored the resilience, strength, and achievements of women everywhere. Yet, this celebration carries a bittersweet truth—it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to expand our awareness and deepen our commitment to creating a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.

Why We Still Need International Women’s Day

Some might ask: Haven’t we made enough progress? While many doors have opened, there is still work to do.

• Women continue to face barriers in safety, leadership, and economic opportunity.
• Gender pay gaps persist in many industries.
• Many women carry the unseen weight of emotional and unpaid labor in their families and workplaces.
• In some parts of the world, girls are still denied education and the freedom to make choices about their own futures.

It’s disheartening to acknowledge that, even in 2025, we are witnessing setbacks in progress across many parts of the world.

Honoring the Women Who Paved the Way

The rights and freedoms women have today were shaped by visionaries, leaders, and everyday individuals who dedicated themselves to creating a more inclusive world. From education to voting rights, from professional achievements to personal autonomy—every step forward has been made possible through perseverance, collaboration, and the belief that a better future is always within reach.

Still, there are voices that have gone unheard, contributions that have been overlooked, and challenges that continue to arise. By learning from the past, we gain the wisdom and perspective to create a world where every woman’s potential is fully realized.

A System That Must Evolve

Throughout history, many institutions, traditions, and societal norms have created imbalances that we are still working to correct. Moments of change often come from individuals who choose to speak up, advocate for fairness, and create new opportunities for inclusion.

For example, conversations around workplace equality, representation in leadership, and the safety of women in communities have led to meaningful shifts. These changes don’t happen overnight, but they do happen when enough people come together with shared purpose and understanding.

The Role of Men in Building an Inclusive Future

Gender equality is about creating a world where everyone can reach their full potential, free from limitations imposed by outdated beliefs.

Men play an essential role in this by:

? Listening and supporting without judgment.

? Speaking up when they witness bias or exclusion.

? Raising sons who respect women as equals and daughters who know their worth.

? Challenging outdated ideas about masculinity and leadership.

Fairness goes beyond any single group. While women continue to face many challenges, LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized communities often experience even greater barriers to safety, opportunity, and respect. The need for change is real, urgent, and deeply personal for so many.

This is about dignity, respect, and human rights. When we move beyond labels and commit to fairness for all, we create a world where everyone—no matter how they identify—feels seen, valued, and supported. When equality is the foundation, all of society thrives. Because at its core, humanity is not about division—it is about connection, compassion, and the collective strength we build when we uplift one another.

Before You Go ??

TED Talk Video of the Week: "A Seat at the Table" Isn't the Solution for Gender Equity by Lilly Singh

PS: After enjoying this short video, please make sure you scroll all the way down so that you don't miss the What Am I Up To These Days section of this newsletter.

I also discussed the same topic at my live session, "BEING a Woman – Honoring Strength, Resilience & Equality" on Insight Timer the day before International Women's Day in case you might want to check it out.

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What Am I Up To These Days ??????

??I was honored to receive an invitation to attend an intimate gathering of Young Presidents’ Assistants. This event is part of the 46th Annual YPA Conference, which will take place in April. I look forward to meeting with nineteen other YPAs here in Ontario to share my thoughts on leadership, perspective, and growth. I am truly honored to have been asked to be one of the speakers at such a great event. Thank you to Jayla Mortensen for making it happen!

?? Another amazing event I’m excited to be part of is happening this May right here in Sarnia! On May 10th, I’ll be sharing the stage with some of the most powerful and wise women in our Sarnia-Lambton community—and I’ll also be leading a meditation!

If you’re part of our community, I highly encourage you to check out The Thrive Together Summit and join us for an inspiring and empowering experience. Hope to see you there!

?? Encounter 360 in Tampa Bay isn't until February 2026, but I already feel like it's happening tomorrow! Having attended the first one, I can't wait to be back on that rooftop, soaking in the energy and reconnecting with my dear friends. And this time, it's even more special because I'll be one of the speakers! I'm beyond excited to share and learn from so many incredible minds. There are only 50 seats available and many are already taken. If you would like to be with me and many other amazing speakers and the #awardwinning 360° NATION BIZCATALYST 360° community, please hurry up!

?? Thank you to everyone who joined in live on Friday, March 7th, or watched later on March's First Friday Coffee Chat. The topic for this month was "Embracing Authenticity and Living True to Your Values" and next month's topic will be "The Healing Power of Self-Compassion and Forgiveness"

"Creating a Daily Ritual — The Foundation for Personal Balance." And next month's topic will be "Embracing Authenticity: Living True to Your Values."

Please join me live on Friday, April 4th at 12:00 PM Eastern Time on YouTube, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

PS: You can also catch the previous ones on YouTube.

?? Meredith Bell this time had two powerhouses from The Ultimate Coach Community as her guests on The Ultimate Coach Podcast: Judy Thureson and Erik Thureson . I love and respect them both; individually and as a couple. Whether you're looking for inspiration, leadership lessons, or a reminder of the miracles that unfold when we step up with purpose, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. I invite you to listen to it during your Sunday walk or while sipping your morning coffee this weekend. Click HERE or on the below picture to listen to it today.

?? Also, if you haven't already, please find me on the Insight Timer Meditation and Wellness App. Follow me, meditate with my 130 meditations, take one or more of my five audio courses, and join our Circle of Bliss Group - we have one on Insight Timer and another with the same name on Facebook. Also, join my weekly Friday, 9:30 AM Eastern Time Live Sessions. The next two sessions are as follows:

Friday, March 14, 2025 @ 9:30 AM EST: Full Moon & Lunar Eclipse: Releasing, Illuminating, and Awakening

Friday, March 21, 2025 @ 9:30 AM EST: The Essence of BEING Series: BEING Transformation – The Metamorphosis Within

You can also catch them on YouTube if the timing doesn't work for you.

?? Put yourself first, and do something that gives you joy. Today and every day! And ONLY always!