When I was very young, I asked myself why there is a women’s day if there is no men’s day. I used to feel bothered about this date since, by logic, if men and women should be treated equally, this celebration, or female exclusivity, made no sense in my innocent view.
However, with maturity, we learn that things are only sometimes as they should be. We live in a society dominated by male institutions that, for centuries, have legitimized norms, reproduced speeches, and valued skills that often benefit men and limit women. In religious institutions, female participation was restricted, and women were seen as sinners, witches, and even saints.
In schools, proactive boys are called “born leaders,” while girls are called “bossy.” Organizations’ separation of typically female or male roles and functions is still strong. I have dedicated myself to studying the reasons for the scarcity of women in leadership positions, especially in high positions and on boards of directors. My struggle today is to seek ways to change this reality to increase their representation in these positions and transform corporate environments into more welcoming, diverse and open-to-learning places.
Nowadays, stereotypes of men as providers and women as caregivers responsible for nurturing remain strong. I dream of a society where people can live to their fullest, offering their best to the community regardless of social expectations and norms. I do not defend here that men and women are equal because they are not, but I support that everyone should be respected and accepted in their entirety. But they must have the same rights, respect, and opportunities.
The fact is that many struggles have been fought in the history of society in search of greater equality and female participation. Despite several victories and greater emphasis on the topic, we still have a long way to go until we achieve gender equity. Therefore, until that day arrives, may this date and others are celebrated enough to remind us that we have yet to reach our goal of a more just and humane society for all. So my CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WOMEN!!! My tribute to these warriors who, despite obstacles, keep fighting with grace and conquering more and more their space.
