“Empowered women empower women”
We’ve all heard the saying before, today on International women’s day this quote comes to the forefront of my mind. International women’s day reminds me that women are a pillar to society and yet at every turn, we face barriers whether in pay, recognition of our gender identities, the freedom to make choices over our own bodies etc
The women who came before us paved the way for us to be where we currently are. They fought for us to be considered persons, to gain an education and to be able to speak for ourselves.
It is now our responsibility to empower the women around us and fight for the young women coming after us.
Ways to Empower Women #1:
Recognize and respect intersectionality
When it comes to women and women’s right. We know that women are not given a fair shot. However, it is also important to realize that even in the women moment not all women have the same struggles. While white women get paid 75 cents to a man’s dollar, black, Latina and Asian women are paid even less. Women are more likely to face violence from a domestic partner, however, Trans women face even greater risks of violence.
Today on international women’s day (and every day after), make a vow to recognize the that the women’s movement must account for intersectionality to truly be inclusive and to make progress.
(It is not progressing if the only a fraction of women is represented and given a platform to speak!!)
Ways to Empower women #2: Recognize that she is a woman in progress
Imposter syndrome is the feeling that all our achievements are not our own. Imposter syndrome is more common in women. The standards that society has set for us are often so high and filled with conflicting messages that it’s hard not to internalize them. Ex. you can’t be smart and girly, if you like sports then you can’t be feminine. or that your life’s goal is solely marriage and none of your accomplishments matter if there is no man beside you (eye roll) and a lot of other BS.
A simple way to empower the women in your life is letting her know that she doesn’t have to be perfect, that it’s okay to be a woman in progress that is its okay to continue being a work in progress and that she doesn’t have to buy into the BS that society tells us.
Ways to empower women #3: Share her story
I am constantly being inspired by the women in my life and even more so by the stories of women I haven’t met yet that is why I created the “Cocktails with:”Column. I’ve seen many more stories today on international women’s day Sometimes hearing what these women have had to go through, fight through and the way they create a path for themselves in a world that doesn’t always give women a fair chance is inspiring. I believe that sharing the stories of the women in your life is a way to empower them. It allows them to know that their labor is not in vain.
How will you be empowering a woman in your life today on international women’s day (and every day after)?