We're equal, you say

This post was scheduled to publish on March 8th, 2013, International Women's Day. 

Connection issues delayed publishing.

A writer and inspirational speaker I like shared a "Happy International Women's Day." statement today. It drew my attention to a day I didn't know existed. I wouldn't have even given it a second thought if I hadn't taken a scroll through the comments on that little statement. The first comment, from a woman, expressed the sentiment that the day is unnecessary and that women have accomplished much but now we've crossed some line by continuing to request equality.

 I had a few thoughts reading that comment. 

First, how very American to think an international day focusing on the equal worth of women is unnecessary because as an American woman she can vote, get an education, have a career and even wear pants. This is not the case across the world. Currently in India women can be raped with no consequences to the rapist. Is she seen as equal worth as that man? Women and girls are trafficked throughout the world to meet demand. Are those women and girls seen as worthy of being treated as an equal? Less drastically there are places where women cannot continue an education, drive a car or wear pants. 

Second, how wonderful for that commenter to have such a positive experience personally in life to have always been treated as an equal to men.

Third, how unfortunate to live so blind to the experienced of other women around you. In our own country it is reported that 1 in 4 women, or more, have been sexually harassed or abused. Is that equal worth? We still receive the message that if we wear our shorts to short or our shirts to tight then we are "asking for it."Is that being seen as equal in worth? 

Then, just as I was going to let the whole thing drop because there is so much more worth my time than getting working up over a strangers comment on the Internet, the real need for continuing to raise awareness for the inherent equality of women came storming, fists balled, voice wavering, into my living room.

We need to continue to demand equality because our daughters are continuing to be seen as nothing more than bodies. And our sons are still receiving the message that women are worth less than them. "You throw like a girl." "Stop crying like a little girl." "Don't let a girl beat you."

On International Women's Day, I had to take a stand for the equal treatment of my own daughter. If we've come so far why was that even necessary. This is America, safe suburban America, not India, not Africa, not China so "Happy International Women's Day." Go, make a difference for just one woman today or tomorrow or next week just one. One person does make a difference. One person can speak words that soothe a wound, prevent a hurt, change a heart.

Keep chasing perfection people, 

Eventually we are going to Catch Excellence.