How ignorant I was! Unaware that I am living in a world that privileged me my whole life just because I am a man, and did not limit my chances in life because of my gender.

A world that means because someone is a woman, they have less chances to go to school, get a job, receive equal pay, or get a promotion at work. A world that means women will have a much greater share of or all of the housekeeping and parenting duties, and face harassment daily. A world so full of inequality against women that we could write the lengthiest book in the world.

How ignorant I was! Every success I have had is because of the women in my life, who have held this burden, often silently and un-thanked, and supported everyone around them.

I cannot change the past, but I can change the present and the future and commit to do my part to making the world a more equal and more inclusive place for all. I hope you will join me, for there will be no dignity in this world before we have gender equality

Oudai Tozan, edited by Emilie McDonnell.