Equality is Relative

As I read the recent article about the first female Afghani taxi driver, I was stuck by a sense of empathy for Sara Bahayi, this woman of steel nerves who dares to fight against the limitations that others would put on her.  It lead me to think about the state of equality for women within my own country, and to stop for a moment to consider how far we have come in America... no matter how much further we still have to go for full equality.

In the story, Ms. Bahayi details what it is like to be a female taxi driver in an area where women, just a few years ago, were not even allowed to work outside the home.  This is one woman who is risking everything, including her life, to be more independent, more self reliant, and more in control of her own future.

Thinking about the fight for workplace equality here in America, I kept hearing the words "First World Problem"...

Now, I know well enough that our feelings on equality are relative to our own environment -- so, just because working as a woman in America is not a life or death risk, doesn't mean that there isn't improvement that is needed.  But, Sara's story did make me more mindful of what I allow to "bug" me about my job, my co-workers, and the level of equality I enjoy as an American woman.

Perspective is everything!

How blessed am I that I live in a country where I can chart my own course for life -- where I can choose to be anything I am willing to put real effort toward.  Am I compensated equally -- nah, probably not -- but, at least no one is going to try to cut my head off for having the audacity to want to do something other than cook, clean, and breed.