Women's Wisdom

As we celebrate Women's Month 2023, it's a remarkable time to reflect on the incredible strides that women have made over the past decades and to appreciate the fact that young women today have so many more opportunities available to them as they stand proudly on the shoulders of the trailblazers who came before them.

The landscape for women's opportunities has evolved significantly, ushering in an era where doors are opening wider than ever before. Today's young women are entering a world teeming with possibilities that their predecessors could only dream of, from shattering glass ceilings in boardrooms to commanding the stage with powerful voices.

In the realm of education, young women are enrolling in colleges and universities at higher rates than ever before, pursuing degrees in fields that were once considered reserved for their male counterparts. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are no longer daunting territories but vibrant arenas where women contribute groundbreaking innovations.

Moreover, the professional world is witnessing a profound shift as women occupy leadership positions and become architects of transformative change. From the boardroom to the laboratory, their voices are resonating, shaping policies, and redefining norms.

Female role models have emerged as beacons of inspiration and empowerment across various fields. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson of NASA whose story was told in the hit movie, “Hidden Figures.”

And in the world of sports, icons like Serena Williams in tennis and Danica Patrick in motor racing, have become an embodiment of resilience and determination.

But whilst we applaud and celebrate the progress that has been achieved during Women’s Month each August, it's essential to acknowledge that there's still a distance to travel because although the pathway to success has been paved, there are still potholes that challenge the smooth trajectory.

Despite the strides, women continue to face disparities in wages, representation, and opportunities and societal expectations and stereotypes often attempt to constrain women within narrow confines, attempting to dictate their aspirations and dampen their ambitions.

And in many countries, particularly in the Middle East, women continue to encounter significant cultural barriers with deep-rooted traditions and societal norms often restricting women's access to education, employment, and basic rights.

In Saudi Arabia, where progress has been notably slow, the lifting of the ban on women driving in 2018 marked a momentous step forward, but numerous significant challenges persist, including limited opportunities for women in the workforce and stringent dress codes that curtail personal freedom.

The challenges that women still face aren’t going to disappear overnight, but we will make even bigger strides once we realise that it’s within the purview of women themselves to recognise the importance of embracing their femininity, standing tall, and setting audacious goals.

Because equality does not mean adopting toxic masculinity or losing your femininity but rather about harnessing those traits that make women so amazing.

And, although it’s nice to have a Women’s Month in August and a Women’s History Month in March, what we really need is proactivity – we need to be boosting jobs, wealth creation and entrepreneurship for all women, whether they are raised in rural villages or first world cities.

We also need to break the chains of inequality by nurturing an inclusive generation from young and the solution lies not in treating women differently from a young age, but rather in fostering an environment of equal opportunities from the very beginning.

The key to this transformation is raising children, regardless of their gender, in a manner that grants them the same rights and prospects; an inclusive culture that involves boys and men, rather than isolating the sexes, is crucial in dismantling the foundations of inequality.

It’s also essential to engage boys and men in conversations about gender equality, dismantling harmful stereotypes and encouraging them to become advocates for change.

Moreover, fathers play a pivotal role in this transformation. As the concept of masculinity evolves, many men are embracing the role of caregivers and homemakers and active participation of fathers in household responsibilities not only supports working mothers but also teaches future generations the importance of shared responsibilities.

This shift not only promotes a healthier work-life balance but also nurtures an environment where gender roles are redefined.

In essence, this Women's Month is not only a time to acknowledge and honour the extraordinary achievements of women but also a call to action. The responsibility lies within each young woman to seize the opportunities before her, to refuse to be confined by antiquated norms, and to embody the essence of empowerment.

By embracing their femininity, young women can amplify their unique strengths and perspectives, contributing to a more inclusive world where barriers are shattered and ceilings cease to exist.

It is possible to be a career woman as well as a loving wife and mother, albeit with a degree of juggling.

As we embark on this celebratory month, let us remember that the journey is ongoing, and it is the collective effort of women that will propel us toward a future where equality prevails and the dreams of generations are realised.

By Yael and Sandy Geffen