A reason to celebrate

Tuesday Nov 6 was a historic day in the US – it was mid term elections.

And it was historic for women: as of Wednesday, 95 women won their House races. In total at least 118 women will serve in the 116th Congress, up from the current 107. These women also represent diverse interests: different religions and ages.

As a woman, I feel so proud.

I have lived in the US half my life, and until recently thought it was very gender equal.

Let me back track a bit to give you some context: growing up in India, I was keenly aware of how women in some families were discriminated. Sometimes it was the desire to have a male child or sons getting preferential treatment. On the other hand, the US narrative in my head, painted a much rosier pictures – women are equal partners with men.

Yet, at an industry conference a few weeks ago, I was shocked to hear other women share that they felt a gender bias growing up, in the US!

I realized that gender discrimination is less overt here.

I spoke with lots of friends to dissect and analyze these thoughts – they confirmed my new found insight – it was less overt! Hence my joy in Wednesday’s election news.

A year of firsts

A lot of media are labeling this news as “notable firsts”. In the spirit of “firsts” , as I recap 2018, I realize I had my year of notable firsts too. They are:

– first time taking my car to the car wash (don’t judge, I always let my partner take it for me previously but this time I had no one)

– first time selling a car, despite having owned 2 cars in my life (again, not depending on someone else)

– first time managing a local move, right from finding reliable movers, packing and moving – all while working full time and managing a toddler

So this is my year of notable firsts too: of doing jobs that I traditionally had not done.

These may seem mundane, but to me are a huge deal. I have proven that I can do anything I set my mind too.

I will not let others’ boundaries define me. Women can do it!

Here’s hoping I add more “firsts” on my personal 2019 list. Top of the list is learning to dance! Followed by hosting a book club that talks about topics like this.

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