International Women’s Day.
“To make someone feel like they’re comfortable and welcomed, no matter what.”
International Women's Day is today, March 8, 2024 with the theme "Inspire Inclusion," which is a fitting time to reflect and engage in meaningful conversations about what inclusion means. I reached out to the wonderful women in my life, young and old, from ages 8 to 80, to hear their perspectives on what inclusion means to them.
INCLUSION MEANS TO ME …
Clockwise from top left.
Zoe K.
Equality, acceptance and opportunity no matter what age, disability, race or gender!
Open doors to all! Love all!
Irene L.
Being welcoming to everyone no matter their differences from myself. As you age there are places that you feel more included such as my neighborhood which is age restricted for seniors but in some spaces and places an older adult seems to be over looked and not included. The workers in my local grocery store are always helpful to seniors but outside of my community I experience times when I feel invisible.
Coco S.
To make someone feel like they’re comfortable and welcomed, no matter what.
Rachel R.
To me, inclusion is about creating an environment where people feel comfortable and even empowered to share their perspective and contribute. It’s about feeling like I can truly show up as my authentic self, and that’s will be seen as a strength.
Katarina T.
Everyone has a seat at the table. It means celebrating what makes us unique and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome to contribute. Also, in order to have an inclusive mindset we need to be aware of our own biases and how they impact our way of thinking about a person or situation.
Oksana and Arielle K.
Being surrounded by other strong women, who lift me up, and give me the power in a loving and caring way, that inspires and gets the best out of me. It’s a blessing, and a necessary thing to be truly socially happy and give this happiness back while including others.
Casey L.
All for one and one for all. It means strength in numbers, and it means it takes a village.
Jane T.
To make them feel welcome, at home, and included.
Girls of Tomorrow
Let's also take a moment to dream about the future for the girls of tomorrow.
Imagine a world where gender biases are a thing of the past, and both feminine and masculine qualities are equally valued. Picture an education system that emphasizes our responsibility to the Earth and the importance of human connections. These girls will graduate with a deep understanding of their identity and how they can contribute positively to society. Whether nurturing families or leading corporations, they will be acknowledged and compensated fairly for their contributions. Life transition into menopause will be celebrated, marking the entry into a time of wisdom and leadership. Embracing the natural signs of aging will be seen as a testament to a life fully embraced.
So, here's to all women on this significant day. May you chase your mountain of dreams without anything holding you back!
#inspireinclusion #IWD2024