“I matter. I matter equally. Not ‘If Only’, not ‘as long as’. I matter. Full stop.” – Chimamanda Adichie, Nigerian writer.

With a campaign of #BalanceforBetter, International Women’s Day 2019 was celebrated across the world.

The first International Women’s Day occurred in 1911 and was supported by over 1 million people.

“The future is exciting,” according to the movement’s mission statement. “Let’s build a gender-balanced world. Everyone has a part to play – all the time, everywhere. From grassroots activism to worldwide action, we are entering an exciting period of history where the world expects balance. We notice its absence and celebrate its presence.”

Here on the local front, I believe balance is achieved now more than ever. From the Selma City School Board to the Selma City Council we have seen women take office and excel at their career.

We have Dallas County Commissioner Valerie Reuben, who is the first woman named to the Dallas County Commission.

We have Sen. Malika Sanders-Fortier, D-Selma, represent us at the state level.

We have Selma City Schools Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Dallas County Schools Superintendent Hattie Shelton lead our school systems to major improvements.

There are countless other women in the city and county that are holding positions of power and making an impact in our community.

“Balance is not a women’s issue, it’s a business issue,” the statement continues. “The race is on for the gender-balance board room, a gender-balanced government, gender-balanced media coverage, a gender-balance of employees, gender-balance in wealth and gender-balance in sports coverage.”

Here in Dallas County, we are leading examples of diverse boards, councils and organizations. That is something we should be proud of.