In addition to some powerful teaching moments in Madison (link here), the topic of women’s equality presented itself in several ways and caused me to think harder about the topic. This post is a bit of a departure from the travel themes, but it was too important not to share. Life always seems to throw me recurring “themes,” or a topic that repeatedly presents itself and gives me no option of ignoring it. In this case the global conversation about this issue caused me to take note of several examples in my own life and subsequently motivated me to take some action. This is my opportunity to contribute to an ongoing conversation about women’s equality, respect, and validity that I’m sad that we have to have, but I’m so glad we’re finally having.

In Madison I was fortunate to meet a professional violinist about my age that I knew immediately was a kindred spirit. We connected on lots of issues, but most notably on our experiences as women in the industry. How to be taken seriously, how to dismiss rude comments, how to carefully select wardrobe, etc. This came at the same time that a good musician friend recounted her experiences with men at shows, my own bandmate’s encounter with a venue host, and a This American Life episode that called to light the many experiences we’ve had in our musician lives that I was completely unaware could be considered harassment. Meanwhile, top headlines in the world were harassment cases, abuse scandals, and subsequent protests and marches.

The world kept feeding me this issue, so I had no choice but to think harder about it, and when I did… I got really angry. Like, really angry. I immediately thought of the students that sit front of me, eager to learn about music and life, and my heart breaks thinking about the negativity and distractions they’ll face on their journey growing up to serve in the world. I think:

“these little people just want to play music and have fun learning. Who are we to send so many terrible hurdles to get in their way?”

I feel embarrassed to be an adult who’s let the world get this out of control. It’s the closest thing I have to feeling the anger and grief all of you parents must feel on a daily basis. The more I learn, the more motivated I get to not just keep advocating change to the world we live in now, but also continuing to educate and empower our young women so they can continue this fight. We have the chance to not just shape the world they live in, but also to enlist their help. Our girls do have the opportunity to grow up fully understanding and celebrating their power and worth, if we make it clear to them. I intend to lead by example as often as I can, and continue to use my voice to call light to this issue and celebrate the beauty and strength of the students we work with.

The mainstream and social medias can sometimes do more harm than good when it comes to promoting change, but in this case, I’m grateful for them. I think they’re giving us an easy way to have overdue conversations and bring forth issues that desperately need to be addressed. I’m thankful to have had this issue presented to me so repeatedly via social media, because it contributed to a “theme” that I brought to the front of my consciousness, reflected on, and gained some serious motivation to get to work.

Creating true change seems daunting, but we as women are 50% of the population, and have the support of the majority of our male counterparts. (I’m lucky to be close to many amazing feminist men, who keep me hopeful.) I think we’re all on the right track. Let’s keep talking, marching, sharing posts, speaking up in the moment, and empowering our young girls. There’s only one sure way to lose a battle, and it’s not to fight. Let’s keep this issue alive.

I’m thinking of compiling a list of hacks related to being a woman in a male-dominated industry. It won’t be travel-related, but I think it’s relevant. Would that be a worthwhile read? I’m hoping it will span many professions.

Stay hopeful, drriifters. 💙🌏💨

Diana