Opinion: Sofie’s World – 2024 International Women’s Day
By Anders Lorenzen
Our daughter Our isn’t even three yet, but she’s already demonstrably determined. Her walk has a certain decisiveness, and she exudes a clear sense of purpose when she sets her mind to something.
However, we needn’t look far back in history, nor is it entirely a relic of the past in many parts of the world, that girls and women still are unable to express their true selves. Expected to learn specific skills, conform to prescribed roles, and be discouraged from pursuing their own interests, they live their lives conforming to outdated gender norms. Boys and men, on the other hand, continue to explore and experience life more freely.
Like many new parents, we’ve often grappled with the question of whether considering the state of the world, particularly the fragile environment, is this the right time to have a child?
My conclusion has always been a resounding yes. The potential for an exciting life has never been greater, and girls especially have more opportunities and fewer constraints than ever before. Of course, significant progress remains to be made, as we are not even close to achieve gender equality even in the most progressive countries, and in many countries around the world, the situation is utter dire. The effort and work to reach gender equality needs to go much faster., and complacency is not an option.
But on this International Women’s Day, it’s crucial to remember, acknowledge, and express immense gratitude for the sacrifices women have made throughout history to ensure our daughter’s unprecedented freedom to pursue her dreams.
Her world
The other day, walking home from the park down a backstreet, we encountered a significant amount of litter scattered on the ground. Our daughter pointed out every single piece and insisted we pick it up. While I agreed it was the right thing to do, we discussed that people shouldn’t have littered in the first place; something I could see really made her think.
Many parents, those expecting children, or those contemplating parenthood might be apprehensive about bringing children into a world ravaged by climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. However, this isn’t a reason to avoid parenthood; having my daughter has only solidified my view on this. We need these little humans as allies in protecting our planet. Children can offer fresh perspectives on these issues and hold us, their parents, as well as the rest of society, accountable when we fall short, as evidenced by the thousands of school children participating in climate strikes.
I’m undeniably biased, but I believe our daughter’s approach to many things, her unique worldview, and her ability to call out her mum and dad on inconsistencies or forgetfulness perfectly embody the approach we need to combat climate change.
Grateful
While we both believe our daughter should follow her own path, she possesses a remarkable compassion for others, society, and the world around her – values that will undoubtedly benefit the planet. Many of the empathetic and compassionate skills that tend to be more prevalent in girls and women are precisely the skills we need to tackle the climate crisis.
On this International Women’s Day, my thoughts are with the girls and women around the world who are disproportionately affected by climate change, but also with their innovative spirit and fresh thinking, which are crucial to putting us on the right track.
And of course, my partner, who worked incredibly hard to bring our daughter into the world, and, is instilling such important values in her.
These emerging values illuminate our minds and warm our hearts every day, regardless of the world’s hardships, and fill us with immense optimism for the future.