If you follow or are connected to me, then you know that I work as a leader dedicated to accelerating equity and empowering women to be whoever they want to be in this world.
Today, I feel compelled to address a troubling commencement speech delivered by KC Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker at Benedictine College. A commencement speech is intended to be inspirational, unfortunately the message delivered to this group of young people delivered outrageous and harmful stereotypes about women and our "place" in society.
Butker stated, "I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you.
Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world." He continued by stating that his wife's life "truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and a mother," and that his success is largely due to his wife embracing her role as a homemaker.
As someone who has dedicated my life to accelerating equity for women and girls, I find these remarks not just disappointing but dangerous. They perpetuate the simple notion that a woman's primary value lies in her ability to be a wife and mother, thereby undermining the countless contributions women make in every part of society, from business to science, religion, politics, from sports to the arts.
My work at Bonfire and with the WNFC is focused on accelerating business, through an investment in the development of women. But my mission goes far beyond my corporate and entrepreneurial work. This is my life! The Harrison Butkers of the world, with their regressive views, seek to confine women to traditional roles and limit our the reach of our potential. This is not just an issue of personal opinion; it is a direct challenge to the progress we have made and continue to fight for.
We are past the time where others get to decide what women should value and what we should do with our lives. For every "shut up, and get in the kitchen," remark that we ignore in the comment section for every, this is your moment to stand up, respond and defend our right to be ambitious, and to self-determination. We as leaders must be willing to lose in order to not go backwards. This means taking clear, unequivocal stands against rhetoric that seeks to diminish our worth and our potential as women.
I know that taking this strong position may cost me support, but I am a protector and defender, and a WOMAN before I am anything else. If I fail in business because of my position, then I will fail knowing I stayed true to my principles and to the women and girls who look up to leaders like me for guidance and inspiration.
Harrison Butker's speech may have intended to celebrate a particular vision of womanhood, but it ended up highlighting the ongoing struggle all women face against limiting and demeaning narratives. Let this be a reminder that our fight for equity is far from over, and that we must remain vigilant and vocal in defending our right to choose our own paths.
To all the women and girls out there: You are powerful, capable, and deserving of every opportunity to pursue your dreams, every ambition, whatever they may be.
Let's continue to stand together (as women and men), support each other, and push forward, undeterred by those who seek to pull us back.
Keep going!
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