This Women's Month, let us celebrate all genders

As we’ve entered Women's Month, it is time to broaden the conversation beyond celebrating women alone. True inclusivity recognizes and embraces the diverse experiences of all genders.

This Women's Month, let us acknowledge the importance of fostering gender inclusivity by celebrating both men, women, non-binary, and agender. By doing so, we move towards a better understanding of the challenges and triumphs that individuals of all genders face.?

Awareness equals Education?

Just because March is marked as women’s month, does not mean that it is all about women. Men are just as well invited. In fact, one could argue that it is more important for men to join the celebrations. ?

The main reason events like Women’s Month, Pride Month, and Black History Month exist, is to raise awareness. Only when we raise awareness, do we become aware of the issues around us. Through awareness, we learn what we do not know. And what we do not know, we can learn. ?

Awareness goes hand in hand with education. When we become aware of what we do not know, we can educate ourselves to increase our understanding of the situation of others. And that is exactly why Women’s Month is not only for women. ?

Gender Bias & Stereotypes?

We are all guilty of having biases and subtle prejudices, as the way we have been shaped by cultural, social, or individual experiences inevitably influences the way we see the world. There is nothing inherently wrong with that. ?

But sometimes, those ideas become overwhelmingly strong, and biases become stereotypes, and prejudices turn into discrimination. When we do not recognize our own biases, it stands in the way of a truly inclusive and equitable society. ?

The ideas we have shape our decisions, they define our attitude towards others, and they can change our decisions towards individuals from diverse backgrounds. Stereotypes and biases are at the root of inequality. ?

A Safe Environment?

Fear of discrimination or judgment causes people to feel unsafe being themselves; it limits their thinking; it causes people to stay quiet. Imagine all the great ideas that have?never come to be.

Again, we need to be aware to discover what we can do ourselves to create an inclusive environment. Anti-bias training is essential to overcome stereotypes and clouded decision-making, to establish an environment where it is safe to be yourself, and to express yourself. ?

It is essential to create an environment where people are encouraged to share their perspectives. Even—dare I say especially—when their ideas are different from all the other ones. ?

At No Expense?

People often argue that equality goes at the expense of others. If there is a disbalance, it means that one group must give up their share to bring the balance back down to an equilibrium... Right? ?

Not really. Feminism at its core advocates for gender equality and works towards dismantling systems of oppression and discrimination based on both genders.

Gender norms are not only harmful to women, but they can also be equally harmful to men, let alone people who identify as agender and non-binary. ?

Gender norms are restrictive for everyone, and advocacy is therefore aimed at the systems and power dynamics that keep them in place. Challenging the societal norms that perpetuate unequal power dynamics, benefits everyone by promoting fairness and justice.

There Are No Villains?

Let us all be allies. We all need to educate ourselves. We all need to learn to listen. We all need to learn diverse perspectives. It is hard to understand challenges that you do not face yourself, but that does not mean it is impossible to generate empathy for those who do. ?

Being an ally is an ongoing process—for everyone—that involves self-reflection, continuous learning, and taking action. ?

Finally, keep in mind that inequality is rooted in a complex system of intersectionality. We all experience a combination of social identities, which might mean we have more in common with each other than we think after all.?

Participate?

People of all genders, shall we celebrate Women’s Month together? If you do not know where to start, remember just this: ?

• Awareness?
• Education?
• Participation??

Three principles that are highly intertwined with each other: as soon as you raise your awareness, you open your mind to new ideas. Education teaches you what you do not know, and with those newly learned ideas, you can participate in acts of empowerment. ?

Finally, here are some questions you can ask to open the dialogue, raise awareness of gender inequality, educate yourself, and participate in empowerment. ?

1. How do societal expectations influence your daily life??
2. What aspects of your identity do you feel are often misunderstood or overlooked by society??
3. Can you share a personal experience where you felt your gender was a factor??
4. In what ways do you see gender stereotypes affecting your life or the lives of others around you??
5. How can we be better allies in promoting gender equality??
6. How can we contribute to breaking down gender stereotypes and biases in everyday life??
7. Can you share a book, movie, or piece of art that has profoundly influenced your perspective on life, and why??
8. How has your cultural background or heritage influenced your identity, and how do you navigate the intersection of multiple cultural influences??
9. What do you believe are the most important qualities for fostering healthy and equitable relationships, both personally and professionally??

Would you add any other questions? Leave it in the comments, we want to read your ideas.