Be bold for change...

The 8th of March celebrates the global recognition of International Women’s Day. Founded on the principles of equality, solidarity and change, this day marks the acknowledgement of female achievement and influence throughout history and the celebration of the continued invaluable contributions to social, economic, cultural and political issues they make around the world today.
 
For over a century the call for action to overcome restrictions and limitations placed on women has been championed by inspirational activists from all walks of life. They have tirelessly campaigned, marched and at times even lost their lives in the name of women’s rights. However, in the world today over 30 million girls of primary school age are still denied an education and over 15 million are forced into child marriage before the age of eighteen. Many are subjected to female genital mutilation and around 70, 000 young brides die every year as their still developing bodies fail under the pressures of pregnancy and childbirth.
 
Despite so many advancements in the fight for women’s rights there remains a huge number that are still denied a voice. Now is the time to be that voice for them. Stand up for those that are still being forced down, speak out for those that are still silenced and join with a global community on International Women’s day to #BeBoldForChange.  

How to find the mindset for change....

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• Believe in Better… If someone tells you it can’t be done remember that while gender parity is still an ongoing mission the cause has come a long way over the past 100 years. In many parts of the world women are now leading forces in politics, business and education and this success should be celebrated. While there is still so far to go in securing a safe, equal future for all young girls, focus on what has been achieved already. The road to change is already open, now you just need to be bold enough to walk down it.​

Engage with
innovative ideas
and actions

• Practice Positive Productivity… The issue of gender inequality and the failing  systems of rights for many women can lead to intense feelings of disillusion and disappointment. These feelings of dejection are direct influences on our behavior and a negative mindset can impact your morale and ability to actively engage with innovative ideas and actions. Instead concentrate on the positive, the small yet incredibly important ways in which you can campaign and raise awareness of the battle for women’s rights. As they say on internationalwomensday.com ‘think globally and act locally!’.  ​

Hold onto your
vision for a 
brighter future

• Be the Change… In a world of over 7.5 billion people you will unfortunately not be able to change everyone but you can encourage that change in yourself and those around you. Studies on visualization referenced in publications such as Psychology Today, have proven that ‘mental practices are almost as effective as true physical practice, and that doing both is more effective than either alone’. Make sure while you are actively supporting change you also hold onto your vision for a brighter future. Keep visualizing a world where we can all live in a respectful, safe environment, where someone’s identification as a woman is not in any way a social indicator of inferiority. This type of focus can strengthen goals, increase motivation and above all allow you the confidence to #BeBoldForChange.

                 #Internationalwomensday | #equality | #mindset | #Change                  
​                 Written by Jade Fraser-McKendry