Breaking the Bias: A Celebration and a Call to Action

International Women's Day is celebrated around the world on the 8th of March, celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. From the inaugural International Women’s Day celebration in 1911 promoting equal rights and women’s suffrage. Since then, the celebration has expanded with many countries’ dedicating a month to celebrating the achievements of women within their country’s history, and with everyone from schools to corporations using the dedicated day to tap into an international movement centred on present actions creating a future rooted in gender quality.

This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias, challenging us to dream of a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination and work together to level the playing field and take action to create a future where women can move ahead. Looking through history, there is an abundance of women how have achieved just that. Let’s take a look at some of them who have made what was thought to be impossible become possible, and broke the bias, forging a new path for those behind and beside them to follow.

1. Bessie Coleman

Having grown up in a harsh world of poverty and discrimination, Bessie Coleman overcame all the odds that were stacked high against her and became the first African American female pilot.

After hearing the exciting stories from pilots returning from World War I, Coleman decided she was going to learn to fly. Unfortunately for Coleman, it was nearly impossible for a woman, let alone an African American woman, to earn her pilot's license in the United States during this time due to the discrimination she faced based on her race and gender. Not letting this deter her, Coleman went to France to pursue her dreams in 1920.

Her time in France ended a year later, and she retuned home to the United States, equipped with her international pilots license. The response When she returned to the United States a year later with her international pilot's license, she was met with fanfare and celebration. Recognizing the opportunity she had, she used her newfound fame to promote equality —declining invitations to air shows that wouldn't admit African Americans and encouraging other African Americans to learn how to fly.

2. Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm broke barriers in American politics as the first African American woman in Congress during a time of extreme discrimination in the United States. Despite what she referred to as a “double handicap’ of being both African American and a woman, Chisholm fought hard and went on to achieve wonders, make history and make huge strides for gender and racial equity in America.

In 1964, Chisholm ran for and became the second African American in the New York State Legislature. Just four years later she fought for and successfully obtained a seat in Congress where she introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation and championed racial and gender equality, the needs of the poor, and ending the War in Vietnam.

Discrimination followed Chisholm as she sought after the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 1972. She was blocked from participating in televised primary debates, and after taking legal action, was permitted to make just one speech. Choosing to not stop there, in 1977 Chisholm became the first African American woman and second woman ever to serve on the powerful House Rules Committee.

Speaking on her legacy, Chisholm said, “I want to be remembered as a woman … who dared to be a catalyst of change.”

Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. We also wield the power to spur others to join us and can work to break the bias in our communities, classroom and workplaces. 

These inspiring women did not sit down and accept things as they were. They recognized they had the strength and determination to be catalysts for change: breaking through barriers, opening doors, and creating new possibilities for others.