As International Women's Day approaches on 8th March 2025, it's natural to feel overwhelmed by the scale of gender inequality that still exists in our world. While systemic change is crucial, it's easy to feel powerless when we focus solely on the big picture. But what if we shifted our perspective and looked at the changes we can make in our own lives? After all, societal transformation often begins with individual action.
Starting with Self-Reflection
The journey towards gender equality begins with honest self-reflection. We all carry unconscious biases, shaped by our upbringing, experiences, and societal norms. Take a moment to consider:
Do you have different expectations for men and women in your life?
How do you react when you see someone breaking traditional gender roles?
Are there ways you might be unintentionally reinforcing stereotypes?
This introspection can be uncomfortable, but it's a crucial first step in personal growth and societal change.
Challenging Our Own Behaviours
Once we've identified our biases, we can start to challenge them. This might mean:
Catching yourself when you make gendered assumptions and consciously correcting them.
Actively seeking out diverse perspectives in your reading, viewing, and social circles.
Speaking out against sexist comments or jokes, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Remember, change doesn't happen overnight. Be patient with yourself but stay committed to growth.
Making Changes at Home
Our homes are often where gender roles are most deeply entrenched. Here are some practical steps we can take:
Share household chores equally, regardless of gender.
Encourage children to pursue interests based on passion, not gender expectations.
Have frank conversations about gender equality with family members.
Model respectful, equal partnerships in our relationships.
Workplace Actions
In our professional lives, we can:
Mentor or support colleagues of all genders.
Advocate for inclusive policies at your workplace.
Challenge gender-based assumptions about job roles or career paths.
Amplify diverse voices in meetings and projects.
The Power of Our Words
Language shapes perceptions. We can make a difference by:
Using gender-neutral terms for occupations.
Avoiding phrases that reinforce stereotypes (e.g., "man up" or "like a girl").
Praising people for their skills and achievements, not their appearance.
Supporting Women-Led Initiatives
While focusing on personal change, we can also support broader efforts:
Support women-owned businesses.
Donate to or volunteer with organisations that support women's rights.
Share and celebrate women's achievements on social media.
Embracing Lifelong Learning
Commit to ongoing education about gender issues:
Read books by diverse female authors.
Watch documentaries about women's experiences around the world.
Attend talks or workshops on gender equality.
The Ripple Effect of Personal Change
It's easy to feel that our individual actions don't matter in the face of global inequality. But when we change our own behaviours and attitudes, we create ripple effects. We influence our friends, family, and colleagues. We raise children with more egalitarian views. We contribute to a shift in societal norms.
As we approach this International Women's Day, let's challenge ourselves to look within. What small changes can we make in our daily lives to promote gender equality? How can we be more mindful in our interactions, more equitable in our homes, more inclusive in our workplaces?
Remember, every great movement started with individual actions. By focusing on what we can do personally, we're not just waiting for change to happen – we're actively creating it. And that's something truly worth celebrating this International Women's Day.
If you want to explore your unconscious bias, get in contact:
Lucy Bello
Counsellor and Psychotherapist
+44 7787 283895
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