National Women’s (semi)Equality Day

Today is National Women’s Equality Day. Exactly 100 years ago the 19th amendment was passed, giving women the right to vote.

Honestly, I know I should be celebrating this victory. But I’m having a hard time getting in the mood.

Hey, don’t get me wrong. I’m beyond grateful to those gutsy, courageous suffragettes.

But in the last few days, I listened to a Ted Talk by one of my favorite actresses, read a WSJ profile of an acclaimed microbiologist and coached a high level executive…all of whom wearily spoke of their struggles with sexism.

Clearly full equality is far from won. The Equal Rights Amendment, proposed in 1923, has yet to be ratified. Face it, we can’t rely on the government to level the playing field for us.

If we want a seat at the table, it’s our job to take it. We can start by becoming the change we want to see in the world.

Call it a grassroots effort, a personal challenge. What if we each celebrate National Women’s Equality Day by taking on this challenge with the same ferocity and fortitude demonstrated by the suffragettes?

How? Here are a few simple suggestions. And, while they may be simple, they take tremendous courage and commitment.

  • Notice every time you devalue yourself or dismiss your strengths and STOP, immediately shifting your focus to the unique and valuable the gifts you have to offer
  • Notice where you give your power away and strive to take it back by speaking up—asking for what you want, saying ‘no’ to what you don’t—in your home, your community, your workplace,
  • Notice when you feel scared, isolated or helpless and make yourself reach out for support, then offer to help and encourage others in this endeavor.

I truly believe, when enough women see themselves as worthy, capable, powerful individuals, there will be a notable transformation in the national landscape. Perhaps then we’ll be celebrating National Equality Day for All.

What do you think? Leave me a comment below.

Comments & Feedback

  • Carrie Rattle

    Bravo Barbara! After working my butt off in corporate America, only to see us advance 13 cents in 30 years, I stand right along beside you. I’m a money coach for professional women as Plan B since Plan A didn’t work so well. Why wait when you can buy an equal voice, buy a seat at the table, with your own cash, your ability to walk away, your ability to day no, to be independent.

    • barbara huson

      Thanks so much Carrie…I love your support and the work you’re doing!!! And I appreciate you responding to my blog.

  • Renee

    I love what you wrote and fully agree. Happy Milestone but so sad we’re not seen or treated as equals. Sadder too when some woman don’t think it’s an issue.

    Thanks for your words and endless encouragement for woman to know they’re worth and help Woman build their monetary net worth.

  • Lisa

    Barbara,

    I like what you wrote about calling it out on EVERY level of your life and asking for support.

    Had a casual “friend” who would constantly hit me up for favors. I was glad to help her the first few times, but then an obvious agenda developed about what I could do for her every time I saw her. She would target me at charity events, book club and social events. I knew she was only there to target me.

    The icing on the cake came when she TOLD me when I could meet her for lunch at what times that would work for HER (going Dutch) to help her translate documents. I didn’t like her tone, so I referred her to a service.

    Normally if I’ve known someone more than a year, I confront them directly. I asked two of my friends for help. They both sat next to me and escorted me when I left, so that the narcissist couldn’t put me in an awkward position where I’d have to say “no” again.

  • barbara huson

    Good for you, Lisa, for protecting yourself while setting strong boundaries!! Awesome!

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Meet Barbara Huson

When a devastating financial crisis rocked her world, Barbara Huson knew she had to get smart about money… and she did. Now, she wants to empower every women to take charge of their money and take charge of their lives! She’s doing just that with her best-selling books, life changing retreats and private financial coaching.

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