Ethical Model Kanon: Reflections on International Women's Day

To all my fellow women: You are capable. You are more than enough. You are far too beautiful to stay silent. Believe in your voice and your strength. Shout it all out when you need to. And stay with me—just breathe.

I never wanted to be a pilot or a prime minister. But if a girl had one of those wonderful dreams, could she achieve it in today's world? It seems possible for a boy—but what about a girl, or someone from a gender minority? I want to change that. I want to pass on to future children a world where anyone can pursue what they want, regardless of gender. Being able to do what you love is happiness in itself. ♥

Perhaps we are still at the stage of recognizing inequality and facing it as a problem. We are skilled at looking away and often prioritize avoiding conflict. I feel that tendency within myself too. Yet I want to think not only for myself, but for someone yet to be born and for our future selves. Thinking ‘for someone else’ feels very Japanese—and people value that. Anyone who considers gender equality for a cherished partner, a future daughter, a mother, grandmother, or friend is incredibly admirable, whatever their gender. I want to be that kind of person.

Ethical Model Kanon