‘Womanhood’ is Being Defined Daily by Extraordinary Women

That’s not to say they don’t have their days of tears, tiredness and strain, but when I look at the women in my life this International Women’s Day, I’m astounded at all they bear and yet continue.

The first International Women’s Day was on March 19th, 1911. Over a million people gathered across Europe, with women demanding the right to vote, hold public office and protest sexual discrimination in the workplace.

Today the event celebrates the achievements of women and continues to advocate for a society free of bias, gender-based oppression and pay disparity between the sexes.

Today the event celebrates the achievements of women and continues to advocate for a society free of bias…

For the women I know, some have been the mum hoping for inroads back into the workforce after childrearing, others are defining new familial cultures from ones they were raised in that stifled women’s voices in the home.

I have 30-something-year-old friends finding love for the first time and with it, navigating step-parenthood and the intricacies of intertwining established adult lives.

Others are pastoring churches, holding the grief of still-birth while raising the twin that survived, building careers while living between towns, battling endometriosis, allowing themselves to be loved after later-life divorce and choosing to seek mental health support because life is hard.

The women in my world are flipping extraordinary.

They’ll never tell you though, you have to listen. Observe. Watch and witness.

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For all of the big moments International Women’s Day represents, and the global changes it seeks to initiate there’s also everyday women making choices daily that define what “womanhood” means for generations to come.

Who are the women you can celebrate today?

Here are some of the amazing women the Hope 103.2 team are celebrating today… 

“Firstly I’ll be celebrating my mum – she is my biggest cheerleader, she is a full of little hacks to help and make life easier as a woman and as a mum. She is creative and loves her family immensely. She’s amazing!

“Secondly, my Nanna, Susan – Nanna has lived a long life and seen the world change many times. She has always been a lady of great poise, always dressed very elegantly and loves her family fiercely. She is a strong woman, doesn’t like you to see her cry, but she is a strong shoulder for anyone who needs it.” Shares Brittany from Community Relations.

Hope Drive’s Georgia Free is celebrating “my wonderful mum and two younger sisters! I’ve been so blessed to have them in my corner for my whole life, and they have each shown me in their unique ways how to be a strong, courageous and compassionate woman in the world.”

“My mum is patient, a great listener, always willing to help in my time of need. Now that I am a mum, I realise more and more just how selfless she has been throughout my childhood (having had four kids!). I long to reflect her qualities in being a mum myself! She has been an incredible role model all my life and I am incredibly blessed in having her as my mum!” shares Kim.

“My Grandma Phyllis – she has just been told she is nearing the end of her time on this earth, life hasn’t always been easy for her but she has always been there – praying, encouraging and supporting us all. I will always be grateful for her fearless faith, she is not afraid of what is to come, and the legacy she continues to leave in all our hearts is truly profound.” shares Lucy.