A Celebration Of US!

Women’s empowerment and equality are hot ticket items in today’s social landscape. Thanks to the technological age,  here’s no lack of resources out there from which to get educated and inspired. There’s so much good media out there about  strong, revolutionary, innovative women – many of which who also dealt with dirty nappies, night wakings, and temper tantrums. In addition to fighting the good fight for women’s place in today’s world, it is important that we also take time to celebrate women. So let’s raise a hypothetical (or real, if you’re in the mood) glass to the women in your life.

Here’s to the stay-at-home moms: Who put up with all the things us working moms need to escape from day in and day out. Who are tirelessly selfless. And who also make giant steps for womankind. Look at Sheri Schmelzer- the SHM who invented Crocs. For any momma out there who has ever tried to squish a fat baby foot into a tiny baby shoe while the kid  wails and kicks, we thank you.

Here’s to the working moms: Who bring in the bread, and more importantly, the insurance, for the inevitable runny noses, sore tummies, and broken bones. Who bear the excruciating morning tears when dropping the little one off at daycare (but also reaping the benefits of running hugs upon return). Take Donna Langley, Chairman of Universal Pictures, who (gasp) was the brain behind the Fast and Furious franchise as a primary example. That’s right, hubbies, a mom made your favourite flick!

Here’s to the aunties: They save us when we’re tired, lavish our offspring with attention, give us a sounding board, and never complain when all we do is talk aboutthe kids. When I’m really beat, I know I can “meet my friends for coffee” which is code for have a coffee while they chase around my daughter. The aunties are the unsung heroes. Did you know that Jane Austen never had kids? She wrote lots, like lots, of classic literature about families and women all from her experience of being a daughter and very dedicated aunt!

Here’s to the women: Listen, you don’t have to be a mom, or auntie (biological or appointed) to deserve praise. Let’s celebrate all women and their contributions to the world around us. They are just as dedicated, loyal, selfless, and driven as the rest of us. Thankfully, we’ve got amazing women like Malala and Gloria Steinem (and Ellen Degeneres, of course) who have spent time – the time we’ve spent cleaning sticky messes – making strides on behalf of all of us.

Every year, International Women’s Day has a theme, and the 2017 theme is Pledge for Parity. However, for once let us put down our boxing gloves and pick up our Champagne glasses. For a brief moment, instead of focusing on equality amongst men and women, let’s take a moment to establish parity within our society of women; cheers to us all!