Some may still view this day with the same level of disdain the Asquith era did.
However, feminism has grown with the times. 1903 would be the height of radical feminism, where lives were lost, property damaged and instead of inciting respect for their cause, the radicals fuelled hate. I personally don't think inciting riots or protests brings about change or positive awareness to a cause, however caveat that in saying there could be a time and place where it may. But Emily Pankhurt's efforts were not in vain, and as society developed so did the feminist movement.
I have grown up in an era where the "feminism" and "feminist" have developed from negative connotations and comparisonsbetween Mary Wollstonecraft and Germaine Greer, to empowerment and thought leaders such as Emma Watson and closer to home, Elizabeth Broderick. It is acceptable now, not only for females, but for men, to align themselves with the feminist movement and pledge for parity, the IWD 2016 theme.
To me, it's not about one gender being more superior than another. It is about me, and in years to come, my daughter and granddaughter having the same level of support, the same access to resources, and the same pay for the same work. I clearly subscribe to the more liberal feminist movement. For me, it is not about rewriting the rules of etiquette it is about recognising that in 2016 we have to actually do something. It is not just about writing blogs such as this, it is about getting out there and making a change. This needs to be done collectively, and with the same purpose in mind.
2133. That is when the World Economic Forum says that parity will be reached. You can't tell me we went from Nokia's to iPhone's in the space of 7 years, but it will take 230 years since Pankhurt first founded the Women's Social and Political Union to reach parity. That is just ignorance from the upper echelons.
I still maintain change will come sooner with the help of Gen Y. Our levels of "unconscious" bias are lower than that of our parents and we have greater awareness of the impact equality issues can have. I hope that the Male Champions of Change continue with their efforts, but take younger male role models on board and help them champion the cause.
If you see an IWD post this week, take a moment to reflect on how far we have come, but how much further we still have to go. Find a way to make a difference for future generations. To take from the IWD website, "Each of us can be a leader within our own spheres of influence and commit to take pragmatic action to accelerate gender parity."
Happy International Women's Day 2016.
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