March is Women's Month - and yesterday was International Women's Day. And it got me to thinking, that being a woman isn't always easy - you know?
We talk about pay inequity - how it is going to take 132 years, up from 99 years (pre-covid) for women to reach pay equity.
We talk about unpaid and unpromotable work - how the bulk falls to women, with women completing 76% of the total hours of unpaid care work.
We talk about the imbalance of power at the top of the corporate ladder - how only 28% of managers and leaders are women. A number that has barely shifted over the last 30 years.
As women, we are told to lean in... but not too far.
To speak up... but not too loudly.
To be assertive, but not be a b*tch.
To be decisive... but make sure we collaborate with others.
To work like we don't have kids, but be a mom like we don't have a job.
Women are being pulled in two different directions, weighted down by the expectations and biases of society. We aren't provided with adequate resources or leaves to recover from childbirth, and it is WOMEN that are expected to change, shift, and adapt to corporate America to "fit in."
I could go on and on... but that isn't the point of my post today. On International Women's Day, I wanted to know with ALL THIS GOING ON - what do you love about being a woman?
So I reached out to the women in my life, and I asked- what I heard back was powerful.
"Being underestimated and still achieving the BIG THING."
"Incredible networks and friendships."
"Insight, discernment, compassion, commitment, drive, dedication, perseverance, willingness to sacrifice and the list goes on and on...."
"Creating life."
"The backing and support of amazing wome
n across the world."
"Driving change."
Being a woman is a privilege. Being a woman is powerful. Being a woman is something to be proud of.
To all my female connections out there - thank you for being a part of my journey. Thank you for your support, guidance, and your friendship. Thank you for being a listening ear and a guiding light in dark times. I would be nowhere without the strong women in my life.
As a mother with a small daughter, I will leave you with my favorite quote:
"Here is to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise. them."
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