March 8 marks International Women’s Day!
I didn’t want it to pass by. Women truly make the world go round and I don’t think there is any real doubt about that.
Officially, according to the site InternationalWomensDay.com, it has been observed since 1910 around the world “to celebrate women’s achievements, progress and to advocate for gender equality.”
The theme this year is #EmbraceEquality.
I made a short list of some inventions by women — although they didn’t always get the credit:
1. Life raft
2. Fold-out bed
3. Car heater — unsure about bum warmers, but also likely
4. Some security systems
5. Kevlar, which is used in bulletproof vests
6. Cataract treatment
7. Feeding tubes
8. Stem-cell isolation
9. Dishwashers
10. GPS (global positioning system)
How’s that for a short list?!
Women are just amazing. What most pull off in a day is incredible. Talk about multi-taskers!
As Oprah has often said: “We all stand on the shoulders of the women who came before us."
I think that is so true, whether it be our ancestors we never knew or to our own closer relatives, such as our grandmothers and mothers.
None of us would have the lives we have or be able to do the things we do without those who came before us and paved the way.
I often think about something as simple as a Sunday family dinner. I speak as someone who can’t get one whole meal ready and hot at the same time ... and that’s with every modern appliance!
But back in the day they managed to do so with limited space, crappy pans and ovens that didn’t kick out much heat to get a feast on the table for a houseful.
We all have special women we admire. For me, the famous ones who have always given me inspiration include Oprah Winfrey, Queen Elizabeth II, Lucille Bal,l and Dolly Parton.
I’m sure you have your own list.
Not to be overshadowed are the women who maybe didn’t make the headlines, like a favourite teacher, doctor, choir director, or a first-responder.
Hopefully, if you were one of the lucky ones, topping your list will be your own mother. She knew your heart from the inside.
I remember the looks we shared just between us. We didn't need words. From those great grilled cheese sandwiches you cut special, to songs around the piano, to homemade dresses, to late-night talks when needed, thanks for all of it.
I add to my own list my sister, who is the strongest person I know. Talented, smart, funny, pretty, and fearless. She can read people at first glance and is usually right.
Again, if you are lucky, and I hope that you are, you have a tribe of talented, caring, helpful female friends who lift you up and guide you with good advice or a gentle nudge. If you have best friends, hold on tight.
I think my favourite thing about ladies is the women’s intuition. It can save you from a bad decision, the wrong job, a lousy relationship, and maybe even from a life-or-death situation.
There’s a saying: “I don’t know how I know that I know, but I just know!”
So, on Wednesday, March 8 — or any day, really — let’s honour, thank, applaud, and remember the women in our lives who make it better, kinder and softer.
And before you ask me why I didn’t mention men, there is an International Men's Day, too, marked Nov. 19 of each year.
But tomorrow, let’s hear it for the girls!
