With this year’s International Women’s Day theme being “Inspire Inclusion” and me being the founder of Kelly E. Carter Communications, I’m particularly proud to be among the eight bada** Women of Napa Valley featured in this film directed by Genesis Monnet, aka @chateaumonnet. Click the arrow under the video with the black screen below to watch and listen as we perform America Ferrera’s iconic “Barbie” monologue. (See below for full text.)
On #IWD2024, remember to “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” to build a more equitable and inclusive society.
Cheers to my castmates:
Erin Riley, owner @bebubbly.napa
Miriam Puentes, owner @honramacellars
Nanette Humer, owner @salutesante
St. Helena City Council Member @anna_chouteau
Cinthya Cisneros, owner @ilovelacheve
Esther Zuniga, owner @zuniga_optical
@florenceropelewski_realtor, owner L’Agence Napa Valley
And, of course, Genesis & Director of Photography @timywetzel
America Ferrera’s Monologue from “Barbie”:
It is literally impossible to be a woman.
You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough.
Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we’re always doing it wrong.
You have to be thin, but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin. You have to say you want to be healthy, but also you have to be thin.
You have to have money, but you can’t ask for money because that’s crass.
You have to be a boss, but you can’t be mean.
You have to lead, but you can’t squash other people’s ideas.
You’re supposed to love being a mother, but don’t talk about your kids all the damn time.
You have to be a career woman but also always be looking out for other people.
You have to answer for men’s bad behavior, which is insane, but if you point that out, you’re accused of complaining.
You’re supposed to stay pretty for men, but not so pretty that you tempt them too much or that you threaten other women because you’re supposed to be a part of the sisterhood.
But always stand out and always be grateful.
But never forget that the system is rigged. So find a way to acknowledge that but also always be grateful.
You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line.
It’s too hard! It’s too contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you!
And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong,but also everything is your fault.
I’m just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us.
And if all of that is also true for a doll just representing women, then I don’t even know.
From IWD:
What does it mean to truly Inspire Inclusion?
To inspire inclusion means to celebrate diversity and empowerment on International Women’s Day 2024 and beyond.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done.
In 2024, the campaign theme Inspire Inclusion emphasizes the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.
This year’s campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities.
One of the key pillars of Inspire Inclusion is the promotion of diversity in leadership and decision-making positions. Women, especially those belonging to underrepresented groups, continue to face barriers when seeking leadership roles. By championing inclusion, organizations and communities can harness the full potential of diverse perspectives, leading to better decision-making and innovation.
Education and awareness play vital roles in fostering inclusion and empowering women. Through initiatives such as mentorship programs, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns, individuals and organizations can create opportunities for women to thrive. By providing support and resources, women can be empowered to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
The entertainment industry, particularly film, has a significant influence on shaping societal perceptions and attitudes. In line with the Inspire Inclusion theme, filmmakers have a unique opportunity to promote diversity and representation on screen. By telling diverse stories and showcasing the experiences of women from diverse backgrounds, filmmakers can inspire audiences and challenge existing stereotypes.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement within the film industry to prioritize inclusion and representation. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to participate and succeed in the industry. By supporting and amplifying the voices of female filmmakers, we can create a more inclusive and representative cinematic landscape.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 and reflect on the theme of Inspire Inclusion, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where all women are empowered, valued, and included. By working together to break down barriers and foster diversity, we can build a more equitable and inclusive society for generations to come.
