The theme of this year's International Women's Day is #EmbraceEquity. Embrace equity is not the same as embracing "equality". If you truly believe in forging an equal and inclusive world, then you will truly believe in the need for the world to better understand the difference between equity and equality. Here's a good description from the www.internationalwomensday.com that addresses the difference.
"People who push for equality-based solutions to social issues may believe in impartiality, and that there should be no difference in services and policies. However, equity-based solutions take into account the diverse lived experiences of individuals and communities, adapting services and policies according to these differences. Equity is a long-term and sustainable solution, and is a process for addressing imbalanced social systems."
I relate my own experience as a spiritual energy worker. I'm sure a lot of my friends who embrace spirituality can relate as well. It wasn't that long ago that it was considered kooky to be doing Reiki and now look at how many individuals are practicing Reiki! Hands on healing touch is even offered by nurses in hospitals. It's just called something different, less wow woo. Working with spirit, crystals and using oracle cards has been the same. I won't go into all the details but those of you who allow alternative energy and spirit work into their lives know there are certain people you don't discuss this with because it makes them uncomfortable, may start an argument or illicit an angry response. We often embrace the coping mechanism of "if they want to know they will ask". Best to keep the ego out of the way and not talk about your Reiki or Shamanism at the family or community gathering. One good thing is that there are SO MANY people embracing spirituality and energy work that it no longer feels odd or threatening (to a few). Our posters advertising our services still get torn down and there are those who feel threatened but THANK GOODNESS the basis of love is gathering strength and we no longer feel timid in promoting options so that others can begin the repair of mind, body and spirit. The equity part of this conversation is about helping each other to rise up, have access to all options and support each other in being the crones, the maiden, the LGBT and non-binary aspects of those seeking wellness. Equity means doing what we can to level the playing field for those that need a little extra help.