You own half of the sky and half of the earth.
Whoever told you that you were less because you are a woman made a mistake. Whoever told you that you couldn't lead because you're too emotional made a mistake. They confused their need for dominance with your capacity to use your authority and your right to equality.
Believe none of it!
It will stop when you stop believing that it is true. What is true is that all women and men were created equal and are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Your life should be a legacy of accomplishment and happiness, not loss.
Kiss Your Life... 365 Reasons to Love Who You Are
By: Ann Mody Lewis, Ph.D.
Reason: 66 Page: 84
Commentary:
How does equality in America compare to other nations?
A century ago, China was the worst place to be born female. Child marriage, foot-binding, concubineage and female infanticide were cultural traditions that subjugated women. In rural areas daughters weren't even given names: they were simply referred to as "No. 2 sister" or No. 3 sister". Girls were rarely educated and often sold. After taking power, Mao Tse-Tung brought women into the workforce and the Central Committee of the Communist Party. He used his political power to abolish child marriage, prostitution and concubineage. It was Mao Tse-Tung who proclaimed: "Women hold up half the sky." In the calculations of the Huron report six of the richest self-made women in the world are now Chinese. Although women in China still struggle with symptoms of sexual discrimination, no country has made as much progress in improving the status of women, than China at least in cities. It has become one of the best places to grow up female.
Studies of every economy in the world indicate that the equality of women is the single most important factor that predicts the prosperity of nations! When Chairman Mao proclaimed that "Women hold half the sky" he acknowledged a progressive culture that has bolstered China's economy. Other nations like Rwanda, Botswana, Tunisia, Morocco and Sri Lanka have made rapid strides to empower women.
Equality then is not only 'a woman's right' it provides opportunity to nations. Women living without equality because 'they can't touch the sky' cause all of us to suffer. Understanding the depth of sexual discrimination against women, personally and politically, may be our first step toward prosperity. These topics may be a wake-up call for all of us:
- How do women experience discrimination?
- Do women self-discriminate?
- How does equality America compare to other nations?
- What is the link between happiness and equality?
- How does a woman's history influence her leadership?
Let’s talk!
Ann
