Hush no more. Raise your voices to the rooftop. International Women’s Day (IWD) held on March 8th is here once again in time for women to turn another page in the HERstory books.
This year’s United Nation’s Theme “Equality for women is progress for all” emphasizes the significant progress women have made and continue to make to change our society.
According to the United Nations, countries with more gender equality have better economic and social development. Women are growing as leaders in business; implementing changes in Parliament with the core issues and values of health, education, poverty, human rights and basic quality of life.
Women persevere and take on the challenge. Women leaders are creating a more peaceful environment, enhancing productivity. The world is accepting the power they have in society to change, commit and turn that page in HERstory.
Women have the right to equality. Yes, we women are very talented in our own unique way. Today’s society is realizing the seed of potential within us and the growing demands for women in the so-called “men’s” world. These major shifts have only just begun to occur in the past century; preceded of course, by a long history of male domination and female subjugation.
We are no longer just an image in the background or objectified and treated as a trophy for display. We are at the forefront coming out from behind our shadows, making a difference in the world. Women now have a voice and freedom of speech. We also have the option to make any choice we want on how to live our lives within society.
Women are no longer forced to be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. Men have now taken on the new role of being barefoot in the kitchen taking care of their children, not quite yet pregnant, unless you are Arnold Schwarzenegger (as in the 1994 comedy ‘Junior‘). Women are very strong and resilient. If we can have babies (while some men faint on the floor during child birth), we can survive anything.
Women need to HUSH no more. We need no longer hide behind masks or accept emotional or physical abuse. The days of women being held silent and concealed behind a veil or kept prisoner in their own homes are a thing of the past, yet still very real in many countries.
International Women’s Day celebrates the freedom and equality of women, while acknowledging the women in countries where there is no equality. Women are beaten, objectified, raped, and forced into silence, left with unspoken words. With no rights, they are punished if they try to empower themselves, leaving them feeling worthless.
Raging with anger and fear, unable to say a word, many women are suffering in silence while wanting to find a way to a better life. At the risk of being punished, women secretly gather together to empower themselves, in turn helping others in similar situations in their community.
Fortunately, in many countries, we now have the have the ability to leave a situation and find the resources to seek help. Self-defence classes create a safety net where we can literally kick butt in the face of danger. The law is getting tougher when it comes to abusive relationships allowing women not to fall victim.
Women have more choice in today’s world. They are empowered and realize they have the ability within and that they can do it. Women are creative and inventive and can make and do just about anything.
Women are beautiful in all ways, talented, bright, resilient, caring and most of all they have a voice. Use it by choosing to help make the world a better place for all and help those other women in other countries who feel they have no way out.
Photos by Marie LeBlanc
