#Breakthebias: Back to Basics to Create Actionable Plans

Dear Wondrous Humans,

Happy International Women’s Day!

“Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.” - International Women’s Day website

Wearing ethically-made bodysuit, the Second Skin Bodysuit from Isabelle Moon

As much progress that we’ve made as a society, there’s still plenty of improvements that need to done. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #BreakTheBias, a call for everyone to band together to challenge gender stereotypes, bias, and discrimination.

We’re doing our best to rise to the challenge, and we’re proud to say – that we’ve been doing our part, in our own way, in our little corner of the world. In our experience, it was easier to make actionable plans when we broke down what challenges we wanted to tackle. For example, ‘changing the system’ feels grandiose, and somewhat overwhelming, but ‘challenging discrimination in activewear supply and marketing’ was right up our alley – and something we could slowly chew on and ponder.

In the spirit of International Women’s Day, we’re sharing what’s important to us.

This might sound silly – but defining words is important. Really understanding where we are currently is an important foundation that we can use as a jumping off point. It's why you'll find us deep-diving into topics that are important to us and our community! Dictionary definitions are always a good place to start when we want to get clear and concise pictures.

Stereotype

A standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment

Bias

To give a settled and often prejudiced outlook to something

Discrimination

The act, practice, or an instance of discriminating categorically rather than individually

Why do we care? Stereotypes feed into bias and discrimination creates barriers and walls that gate-keep things, limiting accessibility. Yoga is about mental and physical wellness, a balancing of the self. It should be accessible to anyone and everyone who are interested and are curious. Health is important to everyone, not just to certain groups of people, and accessibility to it should always be kept open.

Health and wellness is a part of living, access to it should not be limited based on any bias and discrimination.

Why is #BreakTheBias important to Isabelle Moon?

We’re very aware and conscious of the positives and negatives of the wellness industry. As a sustainable yoga clothing brand, what we put out into the world becomes part of the larger conversation on what the industry is doing and is saying.

Wearing ethically-made bodysuit, the Second Skin Bodysuit from Isabelle Moon

For Isabelle Moon, inclusivity and diversity is part and parcel of our beliefs. Our organic activewear is made for people who want to move freely, to celebrate their bodies, and who are looking for better options for the environment. Discrimination goes against our core principles of community and togetherness. #BreakTheBias is vital in making health and wellness accessible. We believe that representation matters. Visibility is one way we can break stereotypes and bias, a way for us to challenge perceived notions. It’s the first step of changing perceptions on what is or isn’t possible.

Representation that is conscious of diversity and inclusivity is a mirror image of the community we are so very proud of, it’s our way of celebrating you!

Movements are only a tiny part of the way human beings fight against injustices, it’s a way for us not to feel so alone in caring. And it’s a way for us to find fuel to keep our passion alive and kicking.

What are your thoughts on #BreakTheBias?

Xoxo, Isabelle Moon