Happy International Women’s Day 2023: Embrace Equity

Let’s be very clear.  It’s International Women’s Day today and beyond.  I’m not here to preach or rant or question why it is naming just one day to celebrate women but rather, I’m about continuing to celebrate myself and the amazing women I have in my life and those yet to come.

I like to reflect so of course I took a look back and my last year’s post – take a read here – and, like last year, I love the theme for this year which is #EmbraceEquity and I’m here for it!

“Equity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have.  A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society’s DNA.  And it’s critical to understand the difference between equity and equality. The aim of the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren’t enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action”. Read more about this here.

The above is a snippet from https://www.internationalwomensday.com/ and to elaborate in my own words it’s important to not only understand it but to take action daily to ensure that I’m practicing both inclusion and equity.

As a personal trainer and boxing coach I’m hyper aware of the different fitness levels as well as the mental capacity my clients and boxers have.  It’s important for me to understand where they’re starting from and where they want to go.  I take immense joy and pride in planning their sessions to ensure they’re improving but to ensure they set up for success.  This is one example of how I #EmbraceEquity and how I will continue to do so.

To take it further, everyone has a different view of how far they can push themselves and how hard they can push past their limits.  My job is to either work within their parameters to help them get to the next level OR help them find that little extra something deep down to push past what they think they can do.  A fine line that comes with experience but also listening and observing the various cues.

Recently I worked with a small group of females and one of them clearly showed signs of frustration a few rounds into the sparring drill.  She didn’t have to verbalize it but her body language spoke volumes.  She took a break, came back, and I decided to create a situation where she could still work (spar) without taking any punches.  She stepped up but still wasn’t her full self.  Another few minutes passed and she decided to call it a day.  To me she is someone who stood up and advocated for herself without having to say the words but more importantly, she was in a safe enough environment to feel comfortable doing so.

This is a testament to the gym I coach at, and the space they’ve created for coaches and athletes of all levels to feel comfortable.  A place we can grow no matter where we are in terms of skill and technique.  A true example of how we #EmbraceEquity at Kingsway Boxing Club

I have and have had many amazing women in my life.  The ones now passed have left significant impacts behind and taught many lessons along the way.  Those still here are still teaching me and vice versa.  These lessons are priceless and one thing that stands out from the last 12 months and is a reminder (even on my tough days – one as recent as 2 days ago) – it’s that I chose the right path.  I’ll elaborate.

Someone recently told me: “You’re lucky to enjoy what you do”.  I thought about it and responded with: “It’s not luck, it’s the choices I’ve made”.  I chose to get out of an environment that wasn’t aligned to my values and beliefs.  I chose to still work hard but to do so on my terms and most of all I chose to be part of and create spaces of inclusivity and equity for all women.  I chose to uplift and empower.

As I continue this path, I’m reminded everyday that this ongoing celebration of US, starts with US.  Having amazing women in my life is one piece but in turn, I strive to be that amazing force to someone else.

My 2023 word of the year is “GROWTH” and along with that I wrote myself 2 pages of strong affirmations and I’d like to share just a few:

• I am so proud of myself
• I love myself
• I am strong
• I strive to uplift those around me
• I have no competition

This is also how I #EmbraceEquity.  In saying and living these affirmations I believe them and I believe they will show in my day to day.  Those I interact with will feel it and the hope is that it can have a positive impact on them.

To everyone reading happy #IWD2023 to you.  Give this a like and/or a share and comment how you’ll #EmbraceEquity to and going forward.

#itstartswithus