What Barbie Told Me About My Potential… As a Woman

Originally published on linkedIn.

For my recent talk at the TEDxMonash University event, called "What Barbie Told Me About My Potential As A Woman", I spoke on a topic very close to my heart. 

Reason being, had my ancestors not narrowly escaped and fled an oppressive and backward Middle East when they did in the 1970s, I wouldn’t be here. 

Instead, I’d be treated as a second class citizen. I’d be denied my fundamental rights, simply because I’m a woman. There is no way I would’ve been free to stand up in front of an audience and speak. My life… even my voice… would've been silenced.

But here I am, extremely fortunate to live in this country, and passionate about raising the important issues.

I want people to really talk about this issue of #genderparity, particularly at work.

Are men and women really equal?

Have you experienced inequality or bias at work? Have you seen it happen to someone else?

Do you have a different perspective?

Thanks to the #TEDxMonashUniversity team for the opportunity to live out a dream.