There has never been a moment where I didn’t think that women were the game changers because even though we are raised to believe that men are stronger than us, I marveled at the irony because growing up, it seemed as if my mother was the one left no choice than to take the task to lead. It was not until much later in life that I understood that women were seen this way because we are nurturers whether we bear children or not.
Most women with the exception of a few, are really good at making decisions not individually only but in a wholesome way for the greater good of a group, family or community. Personally, I love the idea/thought but more importantly the action of collaborating with other women, because you see, I am a game changer.
I am doing my part through TheBeyondWoman where we facilitate other women recognizing that they are game-changers themselves, but before I got to this point I needed to change and maybe you need to as well.
We must begin to see the value in ourselves and the difference we can each make in our space ( with excellence). We must come together, we must collaborate, so we can shake up this world and cause the pieces to begin to fit in the way they should.
Sometimes we think that if we can’t help in a big way then we are not helping. But little do we know that often when we help others, even in the smallest of ways that we are helping ourselves too.
In the midst of helping and giving, it is also important for us to create the balance by giving ourselves needed attention. Ensuring that our energy is conducive to our ability to continue helping and being in service to others. And so giving yourself small gifts in the form of self care is absolutely important, a small gift, that’s all….and as women we need to do that from time to time.
We must carve out time to cherish ourselves and love ourselves and share moments and wonderful memories with ourselves that bring us the comfort that help turn low days into high days and in so doing, preserve our sanity.
In Other News…
On the matter of “ Each for equal” translated an equal world is an enabled world. I can say, I agree 100%. If we empower our women and give them due recognition; an unparalleled power will be unleashed.
Women will be free to uncompromisingly be themselves without fear of being stigmatized or called names (pushy, bossy, b…ch). We will be able to freely contribute to the growth of the communities we are a part of. It was the late Kofi Annan, a champion for women rights who in wisdom proferred that “empowering women is the most effective development tool”.
This year’s campaign suggests that by individually celebrating women’s achievement, raising awareness of bias and calling out inequality, collectively we can all help to bring about change.
As I reflect on ways that individually we can play our part I cannot help but remember the movie Anne with an “E” and also Rosa Parks who stood her ground in a respectful and firm way knowing that change needed to occur. But in this moment I want to expound on Anne and without going into details, you will have to trust me on this or go watch the series on Netflix .
Anne epitomized everything we are talking about today and the stance that women must take. She lived in a time when there was no importance attached to a woman’s opinion and a time when continued education for women was a far-fetched idea. Women who could afford it were sent to finishing school so they could be the perfect wife for their someday husband.
Even though Anne was a child she made such a significant change to the landscape and dialogue as it related to women and these are the takeaways that we would offer.
- Look for opportunities to make a difference and have your voice heard.
- Offer solutions rather than opinions
- Be firm and resolute while open to dialogue about any issues you feel strongly about.
- Champion the underdog if you believe it’s worth the fight.
- Be a woman, be who you are no need to change.
- Support other women and be their champion.
I now wish you much love and light as together we continue to forge ahead with an understanding that we must play our part as women in the continued fight for equality and a platform that allows us to be heard.
It is not a feminist stance but one where we fight for our dignity and power and recognition in the spaces we occupy. Simply because we know that we are just as or more capable of impacting and changing our reality for the better for all.
TheBeyondWoman
Without women championing causes for the greater good , we will continue to exist in a world that does not have real solutions to its problems. And so we must do our part individually so that collectively our voices will be stronger and more resounding.
Happy International Women’s day!
Individually We Can Collectively We Will
Written by Our Founder: Jacqueline Walker-Johnson
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I loved this article. I often feel as if the universe brings phenomenal women into my life to collaborate with, to guide me and to lift me up. You are one of those people. Thank you for sharing this with us. Happy International Women’s Day!!!
To You Too Rhonda… yes this has to be a positive connection. Looking forward to collaborating.