Imagine a world that's free of bias and discrimination, an equitable world where everyone is valued and celebrated!
This year’s theme raises awareness against bias and inspires us all to help #BreakTheBias
“Rules” and stereotypes about genders begin in childhood affecting our behaviours, attitudes, and ambitions. These behaviours, attitudes and ambitions follow us into adulthood, influencing how we feel (favourably or unfavourably), towards someone or something, including ourselves. Stereotypes are harmful and perpetuate inequalities, ultimately limiting someone’s capacity to make choices about their lives. These stereotypes are maintained by biases which ultimately preserve the integrity of the stereotype.
The time to challenge ingrained, outdated stereotypes is long overdue.
The double standards are right in front of us.
“When I’m assertive, I’m a b***h. When a man is assertive, he’s a boss.” - Nicki Minaj
“What is considered “bossy” in a woman are considered leadership qualities in a man” - Dr Pragya Agarwal
A woman who speaks her mind is often labelled as pushy or aggressive, but when a man speaks his mind, he’s confident and assertive. An article in the Harvard Business Review, which looked at 200 performance reviews within one company, “revealed bias in this type of feedback. The results tallied the number of references to being “too aggressive” in the reviews and, not surprisingly, 76% of the instances were attributed to women, while only 24% of men were identified as having such a communication style.”
Women who are seen as being assertive are deemed less likeable, and less likely to be promoted than a man.
If this sounds wrong to you... it’s because it is wrong.
Gender equality is something that is extremely important for us here at Naturalena Foundation, and it’s demonstrated by 50% of our staff (including 20% of our management team) being women.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias #IWD2022
“Some people have a hard time recognizing privilege, saying ‘I work hard. I don’t get things handed to me.’ I understand that. Here’s how I respond: privilege isn’t bonus points for you and your team. It’s unfair penalties the other team gets that you don’t.
Privilege isn’t the presence of perks and benefits. It’s the absence of obstacles and barriers. That’s a lot harder to notice. If you have a hard time recognizing your privileges, focus on what you don’t have to go through. Let that fuel your empathy and action.” – Marie Beecham
Our Mission is to create a world where young girls and women are not disadvantaged by the natural process of menstruation and can access and enjoy all opportunities available in an unhindered healthy way to deliver greater equality, opportunity and wellbeing for not only young girls and women, but society as whole.