Celebrating Women
(Not just one day …)
I don’t think I need a formal day to celebrate my female friends. Personally, I think this is something I need to do everyday.
I do appreciate March 8th as a day set aside to celebrate International Women’s Day. International Women's Day is observed annually on March 8 and celebrates the global “social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women,” according to the International Women's Day website. The day also calls for action to advance gender equality. Now, THIS is important! I like that there is a recognized day to shout-out support for women throughout all levels of accomplishments.
When women lighten your heart, they lift a community.
The women in my life include friends and family members who intentionally seek out to lighten the load. We dance and make funny faces at each other. We laugh too loud and practice sitting in silence together.
We intentionally seek out new challenges and we take the time to learn from master teachers
Learning to surf for the first time.
(A mother humpback whale teaching her baby how to jump out of the water)
UN Women, an organization I like, is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide.
I spent last Tuesday, International Women’s Day, at a friend’s house organizing care packages for Ukrainian mothers and children seeking refuge in neighboring countries. At least 160,000 people have been internally displaced across Ukraine amid frigid winter temperatures.
The camaraderie of the 8 or so women gathered was as much a celebration of women as the care packages themselves. We allowed difficult conversations about the Ukrainian situation to occur and processed extremely sad information, all the while taking simple action together that gave us purpose. WE temporarily eliminated our sense of helplessness. Here is a way you can help if you so desire: Supporting Ukrainian Women and Girls.
The host of our gathering was experiencing her own particular challenge, a newly discovered breast cancer diagnosis. And yet, she invited us to give our attention to Ukrainian mothers and their children through the topic of onesies, size 3 diapers and tiny soaps. This shift of purpose was not a distraction from a difficult diagnosis, but rather clear intentionally. The work that women do so expertly, I believe, is to use our energy on behalf of others and, by doing so, raising our own energy. I find myself in awe of this phenomenon.
Why are women skilled at leading during a crisis?
This particular female strength is nothing new. Scientific research has indicated that women are better communicators, which can lead to an enhanced ability to connect with others, motivate and strengthen teams, and perhaps most importantly, become better leaders.
International Women's Day 2022: Here are 6 meaningful ways in which you can celebrate virtually on March 8
Educate Yourself About Women's Rights.
Donate To Nonprofits That Benefit Women.
Chill With Your Girls Over Zoom Call.
Support Local Women-Owned Brands.
Book Club Featuring Women Authors.
Watch Women-Led Movies.
One of my most favorite women in the world includes my daughter, Abigail. She is an independent hard worker who seeks the quiet magic of time spent with wild mustangs. Twice a week, she volunteers at Wild Heart Sanctuary supporting the horses and assisting the owner with the never ending chores of caring for these wonderful animals. Regardless of weather temperatures and conditions (thank God she knows how to put on tire chains!), Abigail makes the trek up the mountain to the sanctuary and begins the glamorous work of mucking stalls and field areas. She cares for newly arrived foals who were rescued alongside their mothers; she learns from a healing mare called Noble Moon. She lovingly does this labor all the while taking time to notice the gifts of a serene mountain morning alongside an elk migration path.
Lastly, a story of women who helped pave the way for all of us to succeed (in all ways, really) is the story of The Mercury 13. This is the story. Although documented as a story about “Women in Space”, this is also a story that encapsulates the power and resilience of Women.
My favorite quote in the movie was:
“Jerrie Cobb (the first female pilot to complete the astronaut tests) reached down and pulled the heavy layers of arctic clothing over her
navy blue linen dress.”
Mercury 13 was the brainchild of Dr. William Randolph Lovelace II. He was responsible for developing and conducting the tests on the first Project Mercury astronauts. After processing the men through his Lovelace Clinic, Dr. Lovelace developed a secret program to test women in the same fashion as the men. Thirteen women passed (and some excelled) all the tests offered to the men. However, it took 30 additional years before a female piloted a spaceship.
“Most harmful behavior is based in fear. Protecting one’s perceived position in society, protecting one’s territory, or one’s physical well-being. But progress is inevitable.”
When we celebrate women, we celebrate all people. We know that women are the primary caretakers of children and elders in every country of the world. International studies demonstrate that when the economy and political organization of a society change, women take the lead in helping the family adjust to new realities and challenges.
In addition, we know being a woman means being able to be powerful and assertive, yet kind at the same time. It means being compassionate and vulnerable towards those we love in our lives without feeling weak for doing so. It means striving for our goals even in the face of the adversity we may encounter along the way.
Personally, I know that being a woman means having a strong sense of identity, accepting my body as one that adapts and changes over time, being confident, and building up the people in your life. It means I have the wisdom to be grateful for what I have while still being hungry enough for growth.
Spend time with the women you love. Your soul will thank you.
