statistics have shown that there are significantly more practising male lawyers than female lawyers worldwide. furthermore, males with a c average are more likely to be employed upon graduation than females with an a average. the wage gap is closing, but females in the united states tend to earn approximately 90% of their male counterparts' salaries. my mum is one of those women. she joined a law firm in 2007, but getting there was a struggle.
feminism has always been a humongous part of my life. as a young girl, my mum taught me the importance of being strong and self-sufficient. in witnessing the hardships that she faced, i found that it is okay to fight back and that assertiveness is not the same as being bossy or 'bitchy' even. it's a common misconception, and there are quite a few where the movement is concerned. many assume that it's misandric in nature, when it's anything but that. it's about equality for all and i'm just gobsmacked every time that i see or hear a women state their reasons for not needing or accepting feminism. men can be feminists as well, but without conversation, there are hordes of men who will reject the ideology due to preconceived notions and misunderstandings. i have been involved with heforshe since its formation in 2014, and it aims to create that conversation and engage men of all ages.
on 7 july 2014, i was named goodwill ambassador for un women, the united nations' entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women worldwide. i've been blessed a part of such great things throughout my life thus far, but i have never felt as honoured as i do now. while i know how much flack others have gotten for being outspoken about today's issues, we should remember that voices that are loud enough to be heard across continents should be used to spread positive messages, regardless of any influx of nasty tweets that may be received.