Happy Womens Day

Happy Womens Day

By: Ramneet Lotay MSW,RSW

Published On: March 9, 2020

International Women’s Day takes place Sunday March 8th, 2020. This year’s theme is, I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights.

As a woman, I strongly believe we have a responsibility to educate, uplift and empower one another, as well as work in harmony to make the world a better place for all. We need to challenge bias and stereotypes, where we give ourselves permission to speak loud and clear. Let’s be aware, open our eyes and minds to the oppression which systematically exists and is embedded within the various structures of society. I want to encourage you all to challenge what you see and hear in the media, including negative messages that so many young women are internalizing. Let’s be analytical, critical and question those very messages, which make loving ourselves so difficult at times. We cannot walk away from this and pretend like it’s not happening, because the truth is, it is. We need to understand the intersectionality of race and gender, where women from diverse social locations experience inequality in very different ways. Race, ability, socio-economic status, immigration, age and sexual orientation are some of the factors that create barriers and form walls when it comes to equality for women. Those who are privileged, have power and control over women, their bodies and their ability to make decisions for themselves each and every day. Women are abused, silenced, controlled and held captive. The love which women have for one another is crumbling to pieces, where hate and jealousy make us blind and tear us apart. Women don’t wish to see other women succeed. Let’s shift the dialogue and treat women with dignity and respect, compliment one another and celebrate the achievements of women. The truth is, that when women win, we all win!

As a psychotherapist, I work with so many wonderful women from all backgrounds and walks of life. I practice from an anti-oppressive and strengths-based lens. My approach is one of empowerment, where I work with women to help them recognize their strengths and abilities. I consider myself privileged to be able to do the work that I do and value the connections I make everyday. Happy International Women’s Day to all!