Jacinda Arden told everyone she’s had enough. And, as we should, we’re applauding her.
She gave of her time, talent, resources, energy, and life to lead New Zealand since 2017.
But I’ve since read a few posts and seen a few articles about how her resignation is indicative of a global boiling point for all women, I hit pause for a second.
Do we have limits?
Yes.
Do things need to change?
Yes.
Do we have to make sacrifices?
Yes.
But I think the mistake here is in thinking that opting out is the only solution to remedy a system that just isn’t working for us. As if quitting is the only way to get what we want.
We can’t just say “Enough is enough” when one way to change the system is to be in it.
We need to be in leadership positions in order to change the world!
That’s where we need to be – at the top.
Not all of us, but a big portion of us.
And if we quit, we’re nowhere near it.
I don’t agree that a mass exodus will help or prove the point, and it also does us the disservice of assuming all women have the same priorities, values and goals when, in reality, we’re not all defined by the same metrics.
What about the women pushing through?
What about women inspired by the challenge?
What about the women making real gains and true progress?
Abandoning post might erase all of that.
So, what I’m suggesting is more of a relay mentality – a passing of the torch.
We need to lead long enough to create some serious ripples and ruckus and then intentionally pass the position and power to someone filled with the same gusto to truly change things.
To keep the movement moving.
To keep chipping away.
To keep at it.
Because if we all quit, where will all the batons go?