#ChoosetoChallenge and to be challenged
Today is the International Women’s Day and, like every year, it’s a great opportunity to take stock and renew our commitment for an equal opportunity world. I like how this year’s theme of “Choose to Challenge” nudges us, in a very friendly way, towards action. After all, a desired state doesn’t come about merely because we desire it —we have to take steps forward.
My reflections on this year’s theme …
Do you agree that an inclusive world is good for everyone?
If yes, then don’t be a silent spectator. Get on the bus. Drive a bit, if possible. Help others climb in. Lend a seat to those that need it more than you. Maybe an arm to help others stay stable. Feel free to choose how far you want to travel and how fast or slow. Choose your own direction. Go by yourself or in groups.
The only ask — don’t stay still. Move forward because staying in the same place is akin to moving backwards and getting left behind.
What are you willing to challenge?
Don’t worry, there’s no specific top-down mandate here. See what you feel needs to change and make that your choice. It’s not hard to spot examples of bias and discrimination — they are a part of our everyday life. So, choose a couple of things that matter to you and take a stand. Be a change agent.
Set your challenge level
Easy, medium, difficult — there’s no shame in setting a challenge level that you are ready for. You don’t need to be an activist (unless you want to be one) — simple actions can and do make a difference. It’s easy to feel that small steps are irrelevant — but in reality, that’s not true at all. Consistency compounds.
So, choose your challenge level. Ask a question. Start a movement. Call out bias. Or lead by example and show a better alternative. There are many ways to be an active and engaged.
Are you ready to be challenged?
One thing I know for sure is that we are all guilty of bias - no exceptions. It’s just a part of how we are coded. Most times, we don’t even know it. The good news is that by becoming aware of unconscious bias and acknowledging it, we can develop strategies to reduce, if not eliminate, bias. Seek progress not perfection.
This is why feedback is important. Keep an open mind — in fact, actively ask for feedback. Opening our eyes to blindspots is a good first step towards changing ourselves.
Don’t forget to celebrate!
It’s not all doom and gloom on the diversity front. We’ve come a long, long way and it’s worth reflecting on the journey and the successes. These successes prove a vital point — things can and do change though we may not sense it every day. In reading my grandmother’s autobiography recently, it felt like she and I lived on different planets! I simply couldn’t identify with her life experience as an Indian woman — and this was less than a hundred years ago!
Reflect and celebrate the progress. Be aware of the long journey still ahead-and just stay focussed on putting one foot in front of the other. And repeat.
We’ll get there. Change is inevitable when we act. Let’s #ChoosetoChallenge.
