International Women's Day 3/8/24

My beef and My Wish

Are women sabotaging their very objective?

 The first International Women's Day was celebrated on March 8, 1911. Millions of people in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland participated in rallies and demonstrations to demand women's rights, including the right to vote, hold public office, and work. It is astonishing to accept there was a time where women lacked rights. I am grateful for the champions who came before me allowing a life where I have always had the right to exercise my own voice (not to say that the exercise has not been in vain many times- another blog for another time). The challenges and subtleties still facing women today astound me even more. My beef to share and what perplexes me most is my observation that women are sometimes the very ones complicit in creating hurdles for their fellow sisters. The societal pressures and expectations placed upon women have fostered an environment of competition rather than collaboration, leading to unnecessary judgment and criticism. Instead of lifting each other up, some women succumb to the toxic cycle of comparison and condemnation. Let's look at aging and women's choices in this journey as a superficial yet extremly potent example.

The complexity of aging as a woman

The harsh reality of women judging other women's appearances, whether it's scrutinizing wrinkles, debating the use of Botox, or critiquing hair color and body size, underscores the pervasive pressure to conform to beauty. When one woman opts for cosmetic procedures or alters her appearance, it can trigger feelings of insecurity and inadequacy in others. I have experienced this myself. I might love the "tinsel" in my hair and embrace my wrinkles, yet I certainly notice when another women has smoother skin or less sag. Isn't that about me, though, and my own internalized version of insecurity and societal norms rather than the choices of individual women? In a paradoxical cycle, natural women may judge those who opt for Botox, viewing it as an artificial enhancement. Conversely, women who undergo Botox treatments may judge others for embracing their natural wrinkles, perceiving them as a sign of aging or lack of effort in maintaining youthful appearances. This perpetual cycle of judgment highlights and ultimately undermines our very objective of self-acceptance and solidarity among women. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with each of us, as women, for women to challenge ourselves and accept our part in continuing the damaging standards and instead celebrate the internal and external beauty inherent in every woman.

Something special about being a woman

The theme of this year's International Women's Day, "Inspiring Inclusion," resonates deeply with the notion that true progress stems from embracing and celebrating the diversity of women's experiences, choices, and voices. It's about recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of womanhood and that every woman's journey is uniquely her own. At the heart of inspiring inclusion is the fundamental principle of supporting other women and their choices. This means championing women's autonomy and agency, whether it's in their personal lives, careers, self care, or reproductive rights. It's about creating a culture where women feel empowered to make decisions that are best for them, free from judgment or condemnation. Supporting other women isn't just about cheering them on from the sidelines either; it's about actively lifting them up and amplifying their voices. As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us recommit ourselves to the cause of inspiring inclusion by first being women who support other women and their choices. Because there is something so incredibly special about being a woman. The world thrives on the invaluable contributions that come uniquely from women and it needs our presence and perspectives. Shine on Ladies and please send this to a woman!