This powerful piece was written by Anne Boddington, in response to 2021 International Women’s Day theme ‘Choose to Challenge’.Â
Now is the time for challenge and change Â
Now is the time to listen, to hear and to celebrate difference Â
Even if we take longer to speak at meetings or express ourselves,
We must unearth potential and imagination wherever, whenever and however it is voiced Â
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Now is the time to challenge the way we see and celebrate differenceÂ
Even when we don’t look or sound like you, even if we dress differently and don’t match your skin colour or sartorial stereotypes,
Our visual diversity speaks volumes about who we are, how we think and what we can do
We are not shades of grey or standard issue, but colourful and potent  Â
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Now is the time to put people first whatever their gender, creed and colourÂ
To challenge how we diversify and celebrate qualityÂ
To distinguish it from the tyranny of meritocracy, Â
Now is the time for the 99% to challenge the 1% Â
For performance to reflect on what we can do, on our collective imagination, intelligence and empathy,
Now is the time to give confidence and have confidence and to believe we will make living better and a better living together,
Now is the time to act and value the action of women
To speak truth to powerÂ
To look, see, listen and hear women everywhere
To be generous, to open doors and to help others on their climb Â
To find out more about about International Women’s day visit their page here: International Women’s Day 2021
