The Yes She Can trainees stand with #ChoosetoChallenge on International Women’s Day 2021.
During our social hour, we watched a performance by the poet Anisa Nandoula which begins with the line “Gender is a pre-written book…” Through her powerful words, we were encouraged to use this imagery to remind ourselves that not all stories end the same way, that choosing a new sentence or chapter is a way to influence the narrative.
If we see our stories as women as interwoven, shared, and complex, we stand in solidarity. The theme for this important date in 2021 is to raise your hand and “Choose to Challenge” – calling on us all to not be afraid to speak up when we see or experience bias or inequality.
Our trainees expressed feeling confident and proud by this inspiration and were able to openly discuss ways that one can challenge with strength and conviction. We talked of what it feels like in work settings when our ideas or efforts are sometimes not heard or appreciated because of our gender, disability, or manner of communicating.
Our hands held high, we chose to challenge these instances by speaking up and making sure that our ideas are given credit and that when we see others not being appreciated we try to be an ally.
By Laura Galbraith, Yes She Can Coach
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