#EachforEqual - International Women's Day 2020
How far we have come in recent years in creating an equal society for women - and yet we have a great distance to go. This chapter is still being written and we are all part of the change that will help this generation of women and those coming behind us. Growing up I always saw women the same as men, both my parents worked equally hard, both were inspiring in so many ways and always valued what us ‘4 girls’ could add to the equation. I took equality as a given.
Naive.
It was only when I entered the wider world did I start to see the differences that exist and certainly great variations across countries. Growing up as I did, however, gave me an inner belief and confidence in what we as women can achieve and I believe that confidence helps me every day. The same sadly cannot be said for many women and we need to work not just for ourselves but for all women to ensure we change the inequality that still exists.
My Mum left school at the age of 13 to start working - she did not have a choice. She was extremely bright and always told us how she loved school - what a hard path it was for her back then. As the eldest girl she had to work to help her family and as she would say ‘keep bread on the table’. My mum often told us about the scarcity and lack she grew up with - this was after WWII and Ireland was still in the throes of hardship. She worked hard as did all her family. This did not just start with my Mum and her siblings - this started with the generations of women before her. I was fortunate to grow up with both sets of grandparents and my beloved ‘grannies’ were very strong women who held there families together through various upheavals that life throws along the way. Generations of strong women…they exist in every family. They played their part in raising strong women and encouraging their grandchildren. I can even say one granny pushed us 'girls' harder!
For me gender equality starts in the home, as that's where children learn about the wider world as I did when I was growing up. If my boys can reflect on life, practise daily kindness and treat all people equal as I was raised too then I will consider it a job well done.
How does it look in my house ?
I think it's fair to say it's equal - we all (the boys included) put the bins out :-), we all cook, we all do our own washing, Tom & I both work hard at jobs we are both passionate about, we share drops and collects with the kids, all the daily life 'stuff'...the boys see us as equal, for me that's so important. It will set them up for life.
Whether it is maintaining a house on a weekly basis, running a business, working full time - this all comes with the juggle of home life and keeping a balance. This all takes strength and we should give ourselves kudos for what we achieve everyday. We are amazing beings, we are strong beyond our awareness and we are so adaptable. Think about the journey of perimenopause, all the changes that happen along the way and we adapt, we change, we bolster ourselves to move through all these chapters.
Gender equality is an essential ingredient to the future - a world where both men and women are equal will be a wholesome, balanced and happier place. Equality needs to reach to governments, media, workplaces, sport, healthcare, homes, science…..everywhere. We can each play our part in creating this change.
Thanks to all the amazing, supportive women that I am proud to have in my life - to my Grannies who are now gone but I learnt so much from, to my Mum, my sisters, aunts, cousins, my beautiful friends, my DBR family, my fellow menopause advocates and all you wellness warrior followers & supporters out there who have joined me on this crazy journey and become such a special part of my life. I am blessed to have made so many new girlfriends in the last few years and reunited with old friends on this journey. To you all I wish abundance and happiness in your life.
#EachforEqual
. The below is the universal symbol for this years International Women's Day.
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