International Women’s Day
March 8th marks International Women’s Day. I have decided to set aside my cynicism (at least publicly) and be positive.
That we shouldn’t need a day doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have one; we still need it.
I have many hopes for all who identify as women. I look forward to a time when:
- what makes us different is celebrated and valued
- we are all free to make our own choices without fear of judgment and persecution for not meeting gender role expectations
- we are free to be proud of our gender and what it affords us
- we can stop feeling pressure to meet the male standard and seek sameness, but change the standard to include and value what makes us women
- we can all possess ownership of of our bodies and reproductive potential
- we can all express ourselves in ways that we deem appropriate
- we all have access to equitable opportunities, pay, and acknowledgement
- the unpaid work that we do is valued as much or more than the paid work we do
- we all receive recognition for what we contribute to the world in which we live
I look forward to a time when we don’t have to designate a day to celebrate our worth.
What are your hopes for those of the world who identify as women?
March 8th, 2010 at 11:28 am
All of the above! And for me, and you’ve said it here, it’s simply equality. I look forward to the day (though it may not be in my lifetime) that men and women treat each other as equals.
March 8th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
In our lifetime…
Some (women included) would say that women are liberated – at least in Canada. The way I see it, we have a long way to go before we achieve equity among the genders.
March 8th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
All I want in this world…seriously…is to be recognized for what I do on a daily basis. I grew up in a family where there were very traditional male/female roles (Mom was a stay at home Mom, Dad provided). But then I became a very self-sufficient, independent woman who also became the breadwinner in my own family, yet I still carry out the traditional female role. And I do it gladly because I think women have an extremely deep storage of strength. We can do it all — provide emotional and financial security for our families. I’m grateful that I can do it all…but I do like a pat on the back once in awhile.
March 8th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
I agree. I do think we can do it all, and I know a lot of women do. I used to be the mother, wife, breadwinner, homemaker, etc, etc… until I lost my job. Now, I am all but one. I realized that I didn’t have to do it all and there is something to be said for dividing up responsibilities – I also think that is more efficient than everyone being responsible for everything.
That is not to say I’d ever fully give up my independence. I have been self-sufficient and I can do it again.
I think it is important that every woman feel free to make the choice that works for her (and her family if she has one). I also believe that what makes people different needs to be valued and incorporated into societal expectations.