International Women's Day- A day women and everyone throughout the world join together in celebrating and recognizing women trailblazers for social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is also a day that supports a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
This past Monday around the world many women (and men!) celebrated International Women's Day. A day to celebrate women, the successes they have and will have, and a day to bring to light the action still needed in our fight for gender equality.
Each year as International Women's Day passes, I think about how it wasn't ever a 'big' thing growing up. I feel as though in just the last few short years it has 'blown up a bit' for lack of better words. I started thinking, what does this day mean to me? It is more then just knowing, being, and raising, strong women as many posted in the ever so popular quote from Michelle Obama. It really encompasses so much I don't even know where to start.
I decided to look at it as a mom for moms. So many times we as mothers are so hard on ourselves. Not giving ourselves any slack or credit. I have written in the past about the unbelievable community that us as moms and parents in general have these days with social media. While I recognize how beneficial the support we get from the groups we are in on various social media outlets can be, I also feel it is important to address the harsh reality of bullying and judgement that can be spread!
As women, I feel we are often each others biggest critic. Whether it is regarding our choices as a mother, our life choices, style choices etc. It doesn't seem to ever stop. I hope that with this International Women's Day passing, we will take a moment to put ourselves in the shoes of other women. Take a moment to understand them, get to know them and respect them. The only way we will continue to persevere and accelerate the equality we deserve is if we are all a team.
If you are active on social media, stand up for these things, kindly. Suggest kinder words, less harsh judgements and more comradery amongst the women in your groups (and everyone for that matter!) Tensions are already high in our world, no need to take everything out on others!
Most importantly, take this last week and beyond to recognize those strong women in your life. Be it your best friend, mom, aunt, neighbor, etc. Recognize them, help them stand tall and wear their crown! In adition to this, make sure you also take the time to recognize how bad ass you are as a momma and a women. Separate the two, cut yourself some slack, pat yourselves on the back, book a massage, read a book, whatever it is you do, take some time to love thy self. We can keep kickin' ass tomorrow!
Cheers to us all!
- Sierra Zaban, Director of The Learning Experience Gurnee
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