I Don't Believe In Women Empowerment

I don’t believe in women empowerment. 
Let me tell you why. 

First of all, I can only count 2 women my entire life who have wholeheartedly and unconditionally supported and empowered me through any and all trials, tribulations, challenges, the peaks and valleys of life and etc. When I look back at any and all women in power, management and hierarchy I’ve never felt welcome, uplifted or empowered - not by a single one. Even now as I run my business and as I reflect on past experiences, clients and previous employment I am reminded of the feelings of discrimination, uncomfortableness, competitiveness, demotion, manipulation and jealousy that I endured silently at the hands of other women. Women who can be treacherous, critical, spiteful and malicious. 

So you might say, “change it and be the leader to empower other women and do away with this nonsense.” Yes, that could be an option. But instead I am more focused on people empowerment, education for all, human transformation and guidance. Supporting others and being there for them no matter the gender. I am an advocate for women’s rights, gender rights, equal pay, gender equality and freedom… why can’t all people be treated equally, with respect and with kindness and unwavering love and support? 

As this social media “Challenge Accepted” trend began to take shape on Sunday with women copying and pasting a message with instructions to post a black and white photo of yourself, then tagging the women who nominated you, and sending it to 50 other women privately to encourage them to love each other --- this is so self centered and superficial to me. In it the message says “I think you are so badass and amazing and I was careful to choose who I think will meet the challenge.” This makes it seem that this is an exclusive special challenge that only specific people can take part in, thereby excluding the dozens of other women you might know who weren’t as “beautiful, strong or incredible” enough to be included. 

As we continue to embark in the world of post-black lives matter, trans-lives matter and etc… I appreciate and empathize with those who have been discriminated against for any reason. I am a minority and a woman… I also come from a single-parent home, my mother was a minority, I was a bastard child, went to public school and with no savings in the bank to pay for a college education… but that didn’t stop me from pursuing my dreams. Instead I remained dedicated, driven, determined and despite the challenges have created this life for myself and sense of purpose to lift others up, provide inspiration, support and empowerment for all. Challenge accepted - empower PEOPLE!