trust

Yesterday, was International Woman’s Day, March 8, 2018. It began in 1908 as woman protested for better working conditions and against sexual harassment in the workplace! This movement spans over a century and around the world, countries from New York to Kyrgyzstan to Cambodia officially honor women’s rights and achievements across the political, economic, social and cultural spheres. It is wonderful to have a day celebrating woman, and for us to celebrate each other and our achievements. In honor of this day, our future and our ongoing work in equality, I wanted to bring you my own personal #metoo story. I previously posted this on my private Facebook account, but wanted to also share it publicly, as I feel there is a message for those brave parents raising today’s little girls.

To begin, I have a question for my female friends out there who have responded #metoo. I am wondering if you feel you were taught to ‘be nice’ growing up? You know, the lady-like thing… told to “be good” or “behave yourself.” If so, do you feel this thwarted your own inner guidance system? Were you conditioned to override or not listening to your instincts? For me, this was a key factor in my becoming a victim of sexual harassment and assault. Answering “Yes” does not, in ANY WAY, take the blame off of the offender. Sexual harassment is abuse. Sexual Assault is a assault and should be taken very seriously, and punished as the crime that it is.