8 March is International Women’s Day – devoted to celebrating the achievements of women and seeking gender equality. It is celebrated as a national holiday by countries across the globe, with women often given flowers and gifts. Countless research papers have been written discussing how the many problems that women face in the world limit how much they can contribute to the prosperity of the world. It is a no-brainer that the gender that makes up half of the world has so much to offer when there are no impediments stopping them. A woman who’s as empowered as a man in today’s world can contribute immensely to the prosperity of their country and the world as a whole. But we still need to stick together, build each other up, and protect each other.
Dear woman on the other side, try to keep your mind and heart open. Don’t let anyone stand in your way. Let others feel your confidence radiate from you. Don’t hold back one bit of that sunshine. Be kind. Don’t say mean words. Don’t say things you don’t mean. Especially not to yourself. Don’t label yourself or others. And remember that the ways other people label you don’t matter. It is how you react that matters. It is what you believe that matters. Stand proud. Never stop trying. You can and will achieve everything you set your heart and mind to. Continue to grow and thrive in the ways that nourish you. Trust your instinct. Be safe. Find something to smile about every day. My advice to any woman who feels belittled or smaller than they are is to believe in themselves. As cheesy as it may sound, every woman will be knocked down plenty of times in their life. People will question their skills and strength but as long as you have your own back, that’s all that matters.
Women need role models. Strong female leaders understand this need and enjoy inspiring other women to achieve. They occupy a uniquely important role in mentorship and legitimising the contributions of other women. They prioritise personal development and focus on developing others, supporting the individual and making a real and lasting difference in the world. Be yourself. You are the only person who can make your unique contribution. Your authenticity is your strength – be you. You are powerful and your voice matters. You’re going to walk into many rooms in your life where you may be the only one who looks like you or who has had the experiences you’ve had. But you remember that when you are in those rooms, you are not alone. We are all in that room with you, applauding you on. Cheering your voice. And just so proud of you. So you use that voice and be strong
The most important thing about being a woman is not the way we look. It’s not the way we behave in public. It’s not the way other people perceive us. The most important things about being a woman are about believing ourselves. About embracing our own inherent power. About manifesting our dreams into reality. About standing strong in the most terrifying moments. About understanding that the power inside of us is the strongest power on earth. And when we choose to raise our sisters up, this power becomes so strong it won’t break. It won’t be bullied. It won’t be assaulted. It won’t make less money. it won’t be body-shamed or slut-shamed. It will just be. A strong, glowing, beautiful force.
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