What is your name, occupation, and role you most identify with? 
My name is Soni, I am a healthcare professional with over 8 years in patient experience and user experience design.

What is the most positive thing about being a woman in 2020?
The movements for women supporting women and a feeling of camaraderie among women who are fighting for gender parity in all industries.

What is the hardest thing about being a woman in 2020?
Since I work in maternal health and see the downstream effects of right wing conservative parties trying to interfere with women's bodies and choices, I would say the hardest thing is that we still have to fight for a right to make the best possible choices for our own lives, families and careers. 

When did you first notice that society treated men and women (or boys and girls) differently?
When I was four and was told to be more "perfect" in my school activities than my boy counterparts who were told to go outside, get dirty and learn to take risks. Luckily, I didn’t listen then and continue to try to not listen now.

How do you maintain your resiliency in these times? 
My kids are my truest and greatest motivation to be active and to change the status quo.

Why do you think past movements haven't moved the needle for women?
I disagree, I think they have and we're only seeing the effects of many of the movements now. As all progress, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Do you think the current movement will be the one to change things for future generations?
Yes, I am an overt optimist and think we will see major gains in gender parity in forms of equal pay in the workplace, global education for women, more women in traditionally "male dominated" sectors and other forms of oppression steadily declining.

What needs to happen for us to move forward?
One major move will be for traditional companies to have more women in leadership roles.

What can women do to make it better for other women? 
One way I try to make it better is supporting women-owned businesses in a real way.

What can men do to make it better for women? 
Men can hire more women to be your counterpart or leader in your company.

Were there any influences (people, art, books, songs, movies) you found growing up that inspired or drove you?
Many activists and politicians but my most memorable is Maya Angelou book of poetry.

What happens when women feel equal to men?
"We fight for those without as much power or privilege".