It’s another day for women. Women’s Equality Day, celebrated every August 26, commemorates the passage of women’s suffrage in the U.S. and reminds us of the hurdles overcome by the heroic women who faced violence and discrimination to propel the women’s movement forward.
If you’re like me, you are faced with many emotions today—gratitude for the progress but trepidation of the road ahead. It’s an uncomfortable place where apprehension and appreciation co-exist.
As I reflected on the “days” we’ve had this year to celebrate, honor, and rise up women, I was brought to a place of deep reverence for my fellow members of Chief, a private network that connects and supports women executive leaders—all from diverse backgrounds, industries, and organizations.
When we celebrated International Women’s Day in March, this group blew me away with their plans to inspire social change and be a part of the conversations to break the cycle of gender bias. It seems like the right time to resurrect this three-part blog series from International Women’s Day, which holds the same significance today.
When I asked them one actionable thing we can all do right now to break the gender bias, they came through with tangible, impactful examples that I continue to refer back to often. I’d encourage you to revisit them again, too.
Read how women of Chief recognized International Women’s Day in their personal and professional lives.
They even shared go-to-phrases they repeat in their heads. They turn to these mantras when they’re feeling discouraged or are needing motivation to lift up others. If you need an extra boost of encouragement today, please adopt one of these mantras as your own.
While designated “days” and “months” draw attention to and highlight issues like gender inequality, the real work goes on every day. All year long.
I will leave you with my mantra today:
If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.
