I can do anything.
I am living my dream.
I have the life I want to live.
On International Women’s Day, 2016, the theme is #PledgeForParity. Although I can do anything, I am living my dream, and I have the life I want to live, I am squarely in a place of privilege. Millions and millions of women and girls around the world cannot say those statements with any certainty. They cannot imagine this life.
It is from this place of privilege that I must not only appreciate all that I have, but commit to parity, not only between wages and opportunities of men and women. I have to commit to parity between myself and women around the world.
I am safe. I am well fed. I am loved and cared for by others. I need to recognize and acknowledge what my responsibility is to others and what part I play in perpetuating situations of inequality. Which of my actions (or inactions) contribute to those inequalities?
Today is not only about celebrating the achievements of women and girls around the world. It is about recognizing all of the ways and means of working for parity.
