Last Friday, women around the world observed International Women’s Day. Some of us were actually involved in activities that recognised this day, others knew of the day but did not observe it in form while many women do not even know such a day exists. But March 8 is recognised annually as International Women’s Day. This year it was observed under the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’.
As I reflected on this day which I believe helps to empower so many of our sisters I recalled a recent Facebook video of a sister.
This Jamaican sister was in a flood of tears. She cried so much initially that she was unable to speak. She shared that she was tired of being labelled a whore – she did not use that term specifically – all because she was driving a Benz model of vehicle. The sister shared that since she bought the car she has heard many crude remarks amounting to her having used her body to get it.
The mother and educator shared how she was abused in the most horrible manner by a man who had damaged her car. He was convinced that she could not have purchased the car on her own. She questioned how her people could be so cruel. Of course, she heard similar comments from women as well.
According to sister she grew up very poor and at one point during her secondary school life she had to share her school shoes with her sister because her parents could not have afforded another pair. So they attended school alternately. After secondary school she attended teachers’ training college on the strength of two people and other friends. At one time the family had nowhere to live and they were accommodated in a huge tank over which they built a roof.
As the sister told her story, she cried uncontrollably and kept asking why people were so unkind when they did not even know her struggle.
After training college, she taught for a while before moving on to university. She lost her way for a while and took some time to complete her studies. Today, however, she does not only have a masters degree and lectures, but she also owns a small business.
She fought tooth and nail to get to where she is today and likes nice things, even though she made it clear she is not rich. She has children and she continues to work hard and try to be the best example to them.
Her story has gained traction, as many have watched it and there are hundreds of comments. Thankfully, those I have scanned are all positive comments. People, most women, commended her for her hard fight in this life. Some told her that she owed no one an explanation. Others ‘bused out’ for her as they lashed out at people who made the negative comments.
“Don’t cry queen, don’t let them see your tears, that is what they want,” one woman wrote.
As I reflected on the video I thought about how we women many times are our sisters’ biggest enemies. We are the ones who at times cause the most pain and hurt to other women. We also pass on these negative traits to the younger generation. So many young girls are being bullied to the point of self-harm by their peers that it can only be learned behaviours they have witnessed in their environment; although I must admit that television and social media also play a part.
It saddens me to see adult women still involved in such and it is time we stop. Let us start fixing our sisters’ crowns. Let us be a source of support, even if it is just to one other woman – not just relatives and friends but a random woman. Someone you don’t consider a friend. You don’t know the impact of kindness and just reaching out.
International Women’s Day is gone but let us not forget to be kind to a sister every day, every week, every month and every year. Let us make our mantra ‘I will be kind to a sister’ and I am sure we will be a source of love and light to those who least expect it.
As I have said time and time again in this space: be kind.
I must mention that I am happy that our teachers are back in the classrooms. Our children were suffering. But I understand the struggle of our teachers, most of whom are women. I know that for many of them it may not have ended the way they wanted, as a salary increase is what they need. But let’s trust the process and believe that at the end of it all, in the shortest possible period, teachers will get that much needed increase to ease the burden of the rising cost of living.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is aimed at tackling economic disempowerment. It is hoped that through the campaign, the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society is emphasised. The campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality.
It was on 28 February, 1909, that the United Nations observed the first National Women’s Day, followed by a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. To advocate for women’s rights and suffrage, Clara Zetkin proposed establishing an annual Women’s Day in 1910 during the International Conference for Working Women in Copenhagen. It met with unanimous approval, and led to the first International Women’s Day being celebrated in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. International Women’s Day has great significance for gender equality and women’s rights. This day gives a platform to raise awareness about women’s rights across sectors including social, economic, cultural and political achievements.
