“It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union…. Men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less.”
– Susan B. Anthony
International Women’s Day has been observed since in the early 1900’s, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies. Today marks the celebration and continuation of a long tradition of International Women’s Day. It is a day when people across the world celebrate and recognize the contributions and amazing success of women all across the world. While in the office I have taken a moment to observe my surroundings.
Going back in history it was only in 1929 that Canada passed legislation that officially recognized women as equal persons in the name of the law. So as a man I take pride in celebrating this amazing day. The political, business, and entrepreneurial strength of women have shaped all our lives especially mine and surely that worthy of at least one day of reflection out of 365.
At work
Rebecca MacDonald founded and is still chairperson of Just Energy. She immigrated to Canada from Yugoslavia over 15 years ago and is a leader and revolutionary entrepreneur who also has a degree in medicine. In less then 4 years from the inception of her business in 1997 she was able to take her company public and became one of Canada’s most powerful, respected and wealthiest women in 2002.
I think of my office administrative support is anchored by two amazingly well rounded and organized professional women who juggle their family, personal, and careers as though it is magic. Even on this current assignment I report to is a successful career woman who excelled and dominated in a field that is traditionally run by men. To the point where she accelerated to corporate levels and manages 42 offices across North America all from her blackberry, hotel room, and house on the ranch in rural Ottawa.
At Home
Being raised in a traditional African Canadian household in Halifax I was surrounded by power females. My mother, grandmother, even my aunts have an assertive and dominate personality that can keep the largest and strongest of men in line. I have experienced, and seen this with my own eyes on several occasions. I used to run full speed into 23 year old 6’6 310 pound men with no fear in my heart or mind, but for some reason there was nothing scarier than the powerful look my grandmother would make in disapproval.
The stoic strength and determination of her glare could bring the most powerful man to his knees. And it’s strange because I swear she is only 5’1 and is tipping over 75 years of age. I recalled reading a story in a book about my grandmother and how she was marching in the streets with the black panthers and other social justice groups in the 1960’s as a young woman. This is in a time when my grandfather was taking the more “diplomatic” or “political” root to addressing the issues of social justice like race, religion, and gender within the community.
In Action
Progress in society has been tremendous through the years. Looking at the big picture it is amazing to see the social progressive strides that have been made in Canada since 1929. Headlines such as the one in this months McLean’s Magazine issue give a continued emphasis and prospective on how dominate and powerful the 21st century women is becoming. Today 1/3 of women make more money than their partners and Canadian based organizations such as Because I am a Girl spread awareness and positive action based infinitives for women’s empowerment issues and rights internationally abroad.
In the end strong progressive well rounded women are a great thing for society. I’ve been fortunate to see the transformation of the modern young women in the professional field of law as many of her peers possess the same attributes of balancing life, family and the pursuit of lifelong ambitions and goals it is truly amazing to see, however the journey is far from over.
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Happy International Women’s Day!:)
– Jerome