International Women's Day 2023: #EmbraceEquity and Embracing ourselves
When I was initially asked to write this blog, I began to feel a little uncertain about what to write and how to contribute to the conversation. Sharon Barnes' #BreakTheBias article from 2022 is a very tough act to follow. Maria Gabriela suggested I might discuss what this day means to me, and in light of the theme of #EmbraceEquity, I will do just that.
This International Women's Day (IWD) represents one of many firsts for me:
The first occasion since the start of my career that I have had the time and chance to engage with and contribute to events and spaces,
The first year where I felt comfortable and supported enough to speak openly about being a transgender woman, and
The first time I have not feared being seen as lesser or an 'invader' when contributing to women's spaces.
My History with IWD
Before I found my career, I would often participate in rallies or marches for a variety of social causes. International Women’s Day has always been an event I am extremely passionate about and would be involved with each year. However, International Women’s Day has been a contentious event in my city (Brisbane, Australia) for many years - each year there are two separate groups organizing different rallies and events. While both groups focus on women's rights, a major differentiator was around whether or not they recognized trans women as women. Due to my identity as a trans woman, I would often face a lot of negativity and abuse when getting involved with these events. For some time, I would also face verbal abuse and mockery in public at large.
Over time, those factors ate away at my confidence and comfort in being a part of women's spaces. Not because I didn't feel I belonged, mind you. I was afraid that others would take issue with my presence and involvement, despite my intentions and meaning.
2023 in Contrast
In reflecting on those feelings and the conflicting emotions I experience around those IWD events of the past, I realize that the narrative is familiar. While the lens above was highlighted by my transness, the underlying story of the restriction and undermining of women's voices, our efforts, and our contributions is all too familiar.
In the last few years, I have gotten to know and work with some incredible women. Through WomenNow I have had the opportunity to meet even more and had the chance to support (and be supported by) some truly amazing people. Meeting and learning from these incredible individuals has also taught me that my fears have been overstated. While vocal, detractors are often a minority, and they can be drowned out when you speak your truth to power.
The inclusive and supportive spaces I've been part of helped me to rebuild my confidence and sense of self. I am proud to say that this year I will be speaking on an Australian Women in Security Network panel on International Women’s Day, as well as sharing this article. I am proud to be a woman, proud to be working in technology, and proud to embrace who I am and the truths of the incredible folk around me.
Embracing Equity
This year's theme is of embracing equity. Equity moves beyond the concept of equality, to support an inclusive, anti-discriminatory, and diverse approach to our society and all aspects within it. For me, the key takeaway from this is recognition and acknowledgment of women and our achievements, and the fostering of inclusion, diversity, and belonging within the spaces and spheres of influence I exist within.
I have found that being able to embrace myself and who I am allows me to truly value and focus on embracing and championing equity, and that is the learning I am taking from this IWD and hope to build on in the years to come. I hope that sharing my experiences in this article helps you embrace yourself and embrace equity too!
