The Time Is Now Key to Empowerment
We currently find ourselves living in a whirlwind of uncertainty. Almost daily, there is a threat to our freedoms and rights as equal members of the world. Unfortunately, it also appears there is no end in sight to the dismantling of our empowerment. Do not be intimidated by what you see because history has shown us this is nothing new.
Women have always had to challenge the biases that work together to suppress and snuff out our hopes and dreams for equality. Many of us have grown discouraged, and some have lost hope in the belief that true equity will ever be attained for us. I admit, the fight has been long and hard. The choices women should be allowed to make as free women are being attacked and put under a microscope for further inspection ( by men, nevertheless).
I am here to inform you that all is not lost. It is never lost when we fight for what is ours, and freedom belongs to us. Women hold the key to our empowerment. Women hold the keys to unlock every door that prevents us from being our true selves. You hold the key to your empowerment. Now the question is “How do I use my key?”
The Key Within
The world is now witnessing a change in the way women are viewed, World’s largest conference on women calls for equality amid gender backlash. This is especially true in the United States, where freedom is a hallmark of our values and traditions (or so it was taught). As the picture comes more into focus, people can see that women are under attack, personally and politically.
While the aura of gender equality lingers in the air, oppressive structures that deny us our rights are being implemented by design. Throughout history and across cultures, women have used keys to transform societies using their persistence, wisdom, and collective strength. We must do the same in this present age. Each of us holds a key that will unlock sealed doors, but we must understand the nature of the lock that bars our way.
While it can look like governments and organizations are champions of women’s rights, in essence, those parties work to undermine true equality and democratic values. The challenge for women is recognizing when our advancement is merely symbolic rather than substantive. This awareness will enable more of us to know when we are being offered a symbolic representation rather than a meaningful voice.
Collective Action
Our collective voice and unified actions are never to be underestimated. It has been documented that where women are on the frontlines, those movements are more likely to result in a more equitable society. We cannot be denied when we work together. We hold the keys to unlock every door that remains closed to us. You do realize that we have been given the ability to persist despite obstacles?
Like the lotus flower (shout out to Women Thrive, Volume 3), which begins in mud and rises through murky depths to bloom in splendor, we endure challenges to emerge more radiant and powerful! Our struggle is transformed into our strength. This transformation is not just as a collective, but our individual courage, when multiplied across communities and generations, becomes an important part of this key.
Using Our Key
As a coach addressing gender bias to women in the workplace and to business owners, I know that strategy, timing, and technique are essential to winning. I often teach about how challenging bias is imperative to our empowerment and gives us more say in the decision-making process because we have initiated a dialogue. If you are reluctant to ask a question (which is challenging bias because bias does not want to answer any questions, “just do as I say”), then ask yourself why and work toward building yourself up.
If you are scared of the response when you do ask a question, remember that you will never move forward if you cannot handle the words (let alone the actions) of the systems that work to keep you at a certain level. This reminds me of a quote by Wangari Maathai (1940-2011), founder of the Green Belt Movement and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, “Giving up would have given pleasure to the enemy. So I never gave up.” – That was a woman who used her key! She was a vocal opponent of the Kenyan government.
Her example should remind us that the key we hold can unlock not just government doors but also has the potential for transformation across society.
As a business owner and woman, it pains me to see the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at the federal level. DEI helps so many women to achieve goals that a closed door would never allow to happen. The list of “banned words” that cannot be used when seeking government contracts and bids is outrageous since it leaves women on the outside looking in.
Access denied for most of us. We are not equal participants in opportunity. If you are unfamiliar with the list, check this out: Federal Government’s Growing Banned Words List Is Chilling Act of Censorship
Our keys must continue to work, making sure that initial openings lead to genuine transformation rather than new forms of control.
Our Keys Open Many Doors
Our keys are not meant to unlock a single door but many doors. Our keys can unlock economic opportunity, political representation, educational access, and cultural transformation. Do not waste your key! It’s as precious as you are. To the woman who seldom is told “I’m proud of you”, let me say that I am proud of you for using your key to help yourself and to help advance the rights of other women. We truly are in this movement together. Our keys are our power. We must wield that power purposefully and wisely.
Our journey may be long, and the locks were designed to never be opened, but with persistence, solidarity, and strategic action, we will keep open doors that are now trying to close and unlock doors that refuse to open (like a female president of the USA). You are the key to genuine empowerment and lasting change. Our vigilance will not be in vain. Stay encouraged. Stay Empowered!
Until next time,
Stephanie Myers aka Bias Breaking Beauty
About the Author
Name: Stephanie Myers
Bio: Stephanie Myers, an advocate with over 20 years working in male-dominated occupations, champions gender equity. Inspired by her mother, she works to expose biases through her books, coaching, and speaking engagements, striving to empower women and promote systemic change.
Website: www.stephaniemyers.org
Email: myers626.sm@gmail.com
Phone: 704-707-6594
Social Media Handle:
