International Women’s Days is an opportunity to recognize how far we’ve come – and a reminder that there are still many women around the world who lack the basic human rights that we so often take for granted.
Over more than a century of International Women’s Days, we’ve learned that progress can’t happen without peer support. Gloria Steinem, a distinguished feminist, socio-political activist and journalist once said, “The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." With that in mind, we asked students, professors and staff members from across campus to share what they now know ahead of #IWD2020 on March 8.
Keep reading to learn about the wisdom and insight that helped these eight women break through barriers and glass ceilings to achieve their goals.
“The best advice I’ve ever received was to ask for help if you need it. You’re never alone when you’re on a team. There are always people there to support you, and you have to take advantage of that because they’re going to stick with you through life.”
“What I know now is the world really needs more women engineers. The world needs their perspective, their empathy and the different skillsets they bring to the table.”
“My father taught me to not to go into spaces anticipating that people were going to reject me. If you have an expectation that they are going to treat you badly they will live down to your expectation. I think it’s important for people to know their capacity, not to take crazy risks, but there are times when you just have to stand up and go forward believing that the content of what you’re doing is sufficient.”
“Be yourself! Just be yourself and be authentic. Rather than to try and cover it up – to be like everyone else – to conform. I wish I had the courage to be myself a lot sooner in life. I think I missed out on a lot and now I am catching up.”
“Never undermine your efforts, to know your value and your intelligence. Whether you’re going into an interview or even asking for a raise. Know that you are capable and worthy.”
“The best advice I have received is from the elders in my community. They taught me to know that as an Indigenous woman you always have to take your space and you are always meant to be at the right place at the right time.”
“What I know now is the importance of both self-confidence and modesty. Confidence is necessary for moving forward, challenging something new and facing difficulties. Modesty is also important to work with colleagues and listen to others. Something it is difficult to strike the balance, so I always try to self-check if I am leaning too much towards self-confidence or modesty.”
“The teachings of Kokom Piramen, my maternal great-grandmother, can be found in this birch bark canoe. The man sits in the back to transport his family, the children are in the middle, observing and learning, and the woman sits in the front. She is the one who leads the family. When her husband died, Kokom Piramen took over his leadership duties. She didn’t wait to be appointed because she believed in herself.”
Join the #IWD2020 conversation on March 8.