I am grateful for living in Belgium. And raising my kids here.

A couple of years ago, I was invited to speak at an event about gender equality in Belgium. There was a discussion about equal pay, about the glass ceiling, … And all of a sudden, someone from the audience stood up and said: “I’m from Africa, we’re fighting for women’s rights. What are you all talking about? This doesn’t make sense to me” She’s right. That statement made me realize we should invest our energy in the right battles. For women in countries where they aren’t allowed to make a living. Where they have zero options. Let alone the right to make choices.

If I was born somewhere else…

It’s impossible for me to imagine not being born in Belgium. Not being able to start two companies from scratch. Not being able to see successes, failures and the challenge of combining professional and private life. And I sure can’t imagine not being able to send my son and daughters to university, convincing them to conquer the world.

But in some regions, girls don’t have access to primary and secondary education. Banning them from any independent future. In some countries, women aren’t allowed to vote, reinforcing the status quo of old legacy politics, and preventing the progression of women’s rights.

I know I’m blessed. I’m able to dream and think big, and to create my own future. Would I be an entrepreneur if I were born in a country where gender equality doesn’t exist? I don’t think so. Maybe I wouldn’t even be able to read. And I definitely wouldn’t be allowed to speak up, and chase my dreams.

Lucky to be Belgian

In Belgium, women have the exact same rights as men, and the same set of options. Our country’s Equal Pay Day, which is today, is a reminder of the pay gap in Belgium (about 20%). However, this notorious gap is mostly a consequence of women choosing to work part-time or because they chose for jobs that are paid less – also for men – like jobs in education and care. Women make choices in the context of their own ambitions and their own family. There’s nothing wrong with that. On the contrary!

Sadly, Belgium is an exception. Gender equality is far from reality in large parts of the world. For all the women in the world, we need to keep fighting. Until they live the life they’re entitled to, until they have the chance to create their own luck and the choice to be or become whatever they want to be.