March 2009 is Women’s History Month, and March 8th was International Women’s Day. This month is a time to reflect on both the positive contributions made by women here and around the world and the challenges to achieving gender equality that remain.
A priority is ensuring that women feel safe—both physically and emotionally—this is critical to achieving the type of equality that will enable us to benefit from the strengths and contributions of both genders. An easy starting point is working to end sexist remarks that demean women and diminish their accomplishments. So let’s focus our energy this month on promoting the idea that women deserve to be treated respectfully by:
- Insisting that media executives put a stop to sexist commentary on their airwaves
- Asking our leaders to take a stand against sexist remarks in the business, government, and political arenas
- Working with our schools and universities to ensure that they set a good example for our children by eliminating sexist remarks from classrooms and campuses
- Helping to educate others—friends, family, colleagues—about the importance of ending sexist remarks
March—it comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could say the same for how we think and talk about women this month?
Cynthia
