Be The Change
by Sofia N., a volunteer with the Edgemont Youth Press
Malala Yousafzai once said, “I want every girl to know that her voice can change the world.”
That is a sentiment that as a society, we should strive to embody every single day. Annually, on March 8, communities around the world come together to commemorate International Women’s Day – an occasion to celebrate strong historical and contemporary women and the strides we have taken toward gender equality. It also serves as a reminder of the work that is left. Still, too often, when we think of women, we continue to think of them as “weak” or “inferior”. These sentiments are solely rooted in historical bias and stereotypes.
International Women’s Day serves as a perfect opportunity to empower us to break this cycle of prejudice and create positive change. So, what are some ways in which we can do that?
First, we can educate ourselves on individuals who have fought for gender equality. Although we often hear names like Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Malala Yousafzai, we don’t often have a full understanding of their stories. We should strive to learn about their work so we can be inspired to take our own actions.
Second, we can make a small donation or even offer our time to a women’s organization or charity like the Women in Need Society or the Women’s Centre of Calgary. Both of these agencies help women fulfil their basic needs and allow Calgarian women and their families to thrive.
Last, we can recognize and have authentic conversations with women who have defied societal barriers and made an impact on our lives – whether that be a mentor, teacher, or family member. We can recognize their strength, sacrifices, and dedication to making the world a better place. We can ask them about their stories, why they do the work they do, and their hopes for a more just future. This will allow us to carry on the exceptional legacies of extraordinary women in our lives.
At the end of the day, gender equality is an issue that is constantly evolving, and we are still far from perfect. However, the reality is that, just like Malala said, change comes from each one of us using our minds, hearts, and words to stand up for what we believe in. One small step at a time, we can make the world a place where every human being, regardless of what pronouns they use or what they look like, is treated with love, respect, and dignity.
Ultimately, the change starts with us.
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