Successful women and the concept of merit – Part 3

To be successful one must deserve their success based upon their own contributions and character. To gain recognition for success one must have a clear path to opportunity without regard to gender. I believe that both of these statements are true. I also believe strongly that women worldwide historically have had a difficult, if not impossible time gaining the opportunity and recognition they deserve based solely on their merit.

In the United States today we have a woman running for the Democratic Party nomination for President. She has complained that she has been treated unfairly by the press. Her complaint is that this unfair treatment is due to her gender. I would argue that treatment she has received is specifically due to who she is as a public person with a known history. As we continue to watch the primary race unfold, we see a woman who has had many opportunities and one who is willing to stand on the back of her husband, claiming his experience as her own. We see a woman who his willing to fight dirty and to win at all costs. I ask myself as I watch this race, is this a person I want leading my country? Is this a person I believe has the character and values necessary to lead my country? I don’t judge her as a woman I judge her as a person who has reached the top of her game has asked to be judged on her merit.

I would argue that each time a woman who has reached the pinnacle of success complains that she is being treated unfairly because of her gender it makes it even more difficult for others to be taken seriously. I am not saying that women are not treated unfairly in business or politics, they are I know this on a very personal level. I simply say that it is not widespread any longer. I also say that if we, as women are unwilling to be judged based upon our merit and value to a country or an organization than we will never be fully franchised in society. I understand that my ideas are not popular with others of my gender. I know that my belief that merit is earned through effort is not a well-liked stance among other women. I really do “get” that and yet will continue to stand by my conviction that if women desire true equality they must be willing to compete rather than demand the on going “give me’s” as we have in the United States.

Merit: A quality deserving of praise

Merit: Superior quality or worth, excellence

Merit: Demonstrated ability or achievement

Merit: An aspect of character deserving or approval