International Women’s Day 2022

From Kathryn Jacob, CEO:

Many of you know, I lived and worked in Turkmenistan in the early 00s.  Women’s Day is a big holiday internationally, and Turkmenistan was no different.  I remember being on a local flight that day in 2001, from Chardjew to the capital, Ashgabat.  Every part of the flying experience was different that day than on other days – men volunteered to carry my luggage, all of the women were allowed to board and exit the plane first – even taxi drivers that day were less aggressive and more helpful.  Having lived for many months in an environment where women are regularly oppressed, that day definitely felt different.

But today isn’t about having someone hold the door open for you.  It’s not about a spa day or cupcakes or someone buying you a cup of coffee.  It’s not about not having to cook dinner for your family for the day.  It’s about much bigger things, like recognizing the incredible contributions of half the world’s population (who have birthed ALL the world’s population!).  Today is a pep rally for the continued fight for equal pay, for access to opportunities, and for safe homes. 

Today is also about supporting women.  If you’re a man, please honor the day by considering ways you can help the women in your life achieve their goals.  How can you do your part in opening metaphorical doors for them?  If you’re a woman, today is about supporting your sisters.  Let’s all commit to moving away from the dog-eat-dog world of the American success ladder.  When one of us wins, we all win.  Please spend some time today brainstorming ways you can give your sister a foot in the door, a seat at the table…maybe even the whole table?

Happy International Women’s Day – from the team at SafeHaven to you and yours.