A Call to Empower and Inspire
As Chair of Women United, I am sometimes asked for my opinion on the myriads of issues impacting women today. This always takes me by surprise. I certainly don’t think my insights are more informed or valued than the next person. And there are so many respected female historians, social scientists, scholars and researchers that I look to for perspectives.
Then I step back and realize that we all have experiences – we all have a voice. And we should use it to empower and inspire others. So here it goes.
I am honored to recognize and celebrate International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honoring the achievements of women across the globe and reaffirming our commitment to gender equality at a time when some view the idea of “equality” as a dangerous or negative thing. Regardless of what you might read or hear, equality means that each individual or group of people are given access to resources and opportunities so that they might thrive. It’s not a zero-sum game where one person’s gain is equal to another’s loss. With equality, we all can benefit.
This year’s IWD theme, #AccelerateAction, reminds us that while progress has been made, there is still immediate work to be done to ensure that every woman regardless of background, profession or circumstance can thrive. And that work needs to be accelerated.
I’m not an alarmist, but we cannot afford to sit idly by and wait for obstacles to magically come down. We need to take action to address gender inequality. At the current rate of progress, according to the World Economic Forum, it will take until 2158 – roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity. I don’t know about others, but this really is an issue I’d like to see resolved if not in my lifetime, the lifetime of my granddaughter. Waiting for more than 100 years just doesn’t work for me. It really shouldn’t work for anyone.
Here in Southeast Louisiana, we see the strength of women every day. From business leaders and educators to caregivers and activists, women continue to shape the future with resilience and passion. Through Women United, we are proud to support and uplift these women through our initiatives and community outreach efforts.
International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating accomplishments, it is about taking action. It is about advocating for policies that support women, creating spaces where their voices are heard, and fostering a culture where every woman is valued and empowered.
This IWD, I encourage each of us to take meaningful steps toward gender equity to address historical disadvantages that women have experienced, which gets us closer to the ultimate goal of equality:
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Amplify women’s voices: Support and celebrate the achievements of women in your workplace, community and personal life.
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Mentor and support: Invest your time in mentoring young women and advocating for their growth and leadership.
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Champion inclusivity: Don’t shy away from pushing for representation in leadership, decision-making spaces and industries where women are underrepresented.
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Support women-owned businesses: Economic empowerment is a key factor in advancing women’s equality.
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Vote: Use your hard-earned right to vote as if we could actually enable meaningful change before a century passes us by.
At Women United, we are committed to making a lasting impact, and we invite you to join us. Whether through volunteering, advocating or simply uplifting the women around you, your efforts and your voice matter.
Join us as a volunteer this International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, as we revitalize Ms. Gloria’s Garden in Treme! Register Now
Living United,
Michelle Delery
Chair
Women United