Women & money

In celebration of International Women's day, I, and I hope you, are reflecting on how far we've really come as a gender and yes, how far we still need to go.

In the year 2009, I wonder what is truly possible for women? What is possible for both you and I? Quite frankly, I rarely think of this notion. I suppose, I take it for granted that in today's world, in North America (certainly it's not the same for women in other countries), that I can do almost anything I desire to as a female. Like the freedom of being a Canadian citizen and the many, many brave individuals that had to fight for what I today don't necessarily fully appreciate, many women too braved more than I could ever imagine for me to, today, be able to do, dream of, or achieve pretty much anything I desire without gender holding me back.

This Sunday is International Women's day and I will be reflecting on times of the past that weren't supportive of women's rights. A time when, by being a woman meant that we couldn't vote, work, think and speak for ourselves. A time when we were "property" of a man. A time I will struggle to imagine even existed in the politically correct time of ultimate freedom in our society today. I will read about great and courageous women that were ridiculed, spat on and chased out of schools, courtrooms and more. I will thank them in my own way for the price that they paid for my ultimate independence. Lastly, I will reflect on the many countries that such freedom and equality for women does not yet exist and what we can do to end their suffering.

As this is the Keehn On Money blog, I also reflect to a time when it was ultimately taboo for women to handle money openly, take the position of banker, money manager and more. Yet today, I look at the "financial" glass ceiling that women have shattered and the plethora of successful female financial advisors, economists and money mangers, personally and professionally.

We've come a long way baby but still have some work to do, and I think it starts in appreciating what was done for us by so many in the past.

Women & money challenge: the first person to comment on this post answering the following question, I will send you a copy of my newest book, She Inc.

Question: what significance does the Canadian fifty dollar bill have to the plight of women and our freedom as a gender? Examine the bill closely and you will discover the answer. Post here and email me your address at wealth@kelleykeehn.com as well.