Nothing preaches equality more than food. Our need to eat and desire to enjoy the satisfaction food provides is a constant in every life. Food is an equalizer, our pursuit for survival is first for daily bread.
Traditionally, a hardworking man is assessed by his ability to provide food and a prudent woman is appraised by her ability to present ambrosial meals. In many ways than one, food is a strong pointer to the value of our being and the essence of our time on earth.
Since we all depend on food and feel alive from the nutrients food provides, why then do we treat others differently despite our shared peculiarity?
Knowing we are surrounded by such an unbiased qualifier like food, we should emulate the structure of nature by treating each other with the same level of importance and value like we do our appetite for food.
If we gave priority to every man like we do the gnawing pains and rumblings our tummy makes when we are starved, perhaps our world would be a better place and we would be half way on the journey to gender equality.
Every year on March 8, the United Nations marks an international women's day to celebrate the accomplishments of women, identify their challenges and centre attention on women's right. This day is always aimed at embracing equity as it is a reliable vehicle to achieving gender equality.
While, the UN for this year 2023 may specifically focus on digital inclusion through innovation and technology for gender equality, the rest of us can lend our voices to this campaign by opening our hearts to embrace equity in our circles and spheres of influence.
The journey to equality is a collective one enhanced by everyday individual actions and we can promote equity in our respective walks of life when we 'challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias and seek out inclusion.
Embracing equity calls for accepting diversity and I can promote diversity through food because my kitchen, the meals I make, the edible services I render are my tools to forge an equal world.
A great meal is a blend of diverse ingredients and one of such diversity inspired cooking is a meal I call "Exotic Rice". This meal is robust in flavours and brings together the thrill of ripe plantain, beef, multi color bell peppers, carrots, aromatic spices and crunchy chicken drumsticks.
And when we sit to dine as family and friends, amidst the chatter and laughter, we deliberate constructively on how we can boost our potentials, promote gender equity and focus on strategies to create fostering environments for both genders to thrive in the society.
Through our various platforms, we have a part to play in pursuing equity. 'Don't just say it, think it, be it, do it, value it and truly embrace it'.
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