International Women’s Day 2023

Happy International Women’s Day to all the amazing women out there!

This day means something different for everyone but for most it is a day about the women’s rights movement. I myself grew up thinking nothing of gender inequality.  For most of my childhood my friends were made up of boys.  I played in the mud, I went fishing with the guys, I wore jeans and had short hair.  When I became a teenager, I had my close group of girl friends but I had even more boy friends (different than boyfriends).  When I went off to College I chose a “Man’s field” to study… Engineering.  I was the only girl in my first Engineering class and it was at that time I was very intimidated.  I thought I could get through it but I didn’t.  I was told by a professor that I wouldn’t make it.  So, I changed my major.  I still chose another “Man’s field” Computer Science.  There were not many women in my classes but they were there.  We supported each other.  I had also found that the men in the classes didn’t treat me much different.  I was smart, I was able to help and show my worth. 

I was 20 when I got my first full time job as a computer programmer and my boss was a woman.  It was in a metal shop full of men.  I often had to walk back into the “shop” where all the guys were and got the whistles and well, I was young and found it flattering.  My next job, also a computer programming job, I really got to feel the inequality.  I had my share of ass slapping, fingers in my hair, and hands on my shoulder when explanations or instructions were given.  I wasn’t the only one in that office getting that special treatment.  It was also here I was made aware of the difference women got paid. 

I got a promotion and on my review where it said new salary, I saw a number that wasn’t meant for me.  When I was moved to the cubical that my predecessor had, I found his offer letter.  It was almost like he wanted me to find it and sure enough he was making about $20,000 more than me.  I questioned this and I was told I didn’t have the same title as he did.  I was surprised because I was doing the same job he was and more…   This job is one of the places I learned to let people take advantage of me.  For a smart girl, I was stupid.  But I got so much experience there so I stayed.  I thought I couldn’t do any better. Until, I did. 

Anyway, I didn’t mean to make this into my life story.  I just wanted to point out that while many people might think this day has no meaning it does to me.  I recognize the ongoing fight for gender equality. Let’s continue to support and empower each other, and work towards a future where women of all backgrounds can thrive and succeed.

#IWD2023 #ChooseToChallenge

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