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?
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.
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.
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.
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.