Forced diversity? It's called equality.

So, yesterday, BBC announced the newest Doctor will be Jodie Whittaker, the first female Doctor in the Doctor Who franchise history.

As you can imagine, there were lots of people complaining about the role going to a woman. The level of vitriol and misogyny was quite disheartening, especially since the show, and the character in particular, stands for justice, tolerance, acceptance, equality, and doing what is right.

One comment really got under my skin, especially since it was from a woman. She stated she was tired of all of the "forced diversity" happening in the world.

Forced diversity? You mean equality, right?

Because women make up 50% of the Doctor Who audience.
Because women make up about 50% of ComicCon attendees.

But, most importantly, women make up 49.55% of the world's population. 

Forced diversity? Give me a break.

Justice Ruth Bator Ginsberg was once asked when will there be enough women on the Supreme Court?

Her answer? When there are nine.

Oh, the outrage. But why?

But why?

Why is it okay for nine men to decide what is best for women but not okay for women to decide what is best for men?

Why is it okay for 14 men to decide what is best for women's health - without input from women as to what they actually need?

Why is it okay for men to dictate what women do with their bodies without giving them a chance to decide what is best for themselves?

Why is it okay for women to be to expected to raise the next generation - around 30% of which do so as single parents, but not be expected (and encouraged) to raise important issues as politicians and leaders?

Forced diversity doesn't exist. What exists is inequality.

Women deserve a seat at the table.
Women deserve to be seen and heard.
Women deserve an opportunity to lead.

That isn't going to happen until women - each one of us - learns that we are more powerful than we can imagine.

Our voice matters.
Our stories matter.
We matter.

I think about young girls growing up only knowing Wonder Woman as their superhero and a female Doctor.

And I have so much hope for the next generation.

Let's give them a solid foundation to stand on.

Stand up. Speak out.
Be bold in your beliefs.
Claim what you desire.
Stand in your power.
Own your worth. 

Our time in now. Your time is now. 

***

You know you have something important to say, but you aren't sure how to say it. You know you are here to do big things, make big waves, impact millions, and you aren't sure where to begin.

It all starts with finding your voice, sharing your story, standing in your power, and leading with confidence. That's what you'll find when you join the Message Revolution.

Next round begins on August 21st.

Get all the details at http://www.kristinashands.com/message-revolution>