The first time I heard the word “suffrage”, I assumed instantly that it would be a derivative of the word, suffering. I was right. At least, I attributed the meaning of the former to the latter. What I learned afterwards was that women fought for the right to vote.
As many of us may know, not too long ago, women in this world were not allowed to vote for their own political leader. Then, on the 8th day of March 1914, Germany changed history when the Frauen Tag movement finally paved way for women to vote.
The world has come a long way from that time and women have gone on to perform even greater feats than that. The month of March is tagged Women’s History Month for good reason and International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of March in many countries across the world.
As the world celebrates women, here are a few ways we can celebrate ourselves.
Build meaningful friendships
Iron sharpens Iron. Lend your energy to women around you and vice versa. If you surround yourself with goal-oriented, like-minded, strong-willed women who want the best for you and teach you life tips and tricks, you will realise that their energy feeds into yours and makes you a better person.
Do the things that make you happy
Go after that career, that job, that business. Make that call. Sign that proposal. Travel to that place. Society can be harsh and societal constructs should not stop you from going after your goal. Get out of that toxic relationship. Pursue happiness. When you are happy, you give your best to the world. So, do not exchange that happiness for any other thing.
Find a mentor
Life is a great teacher. But an even better teacher will be someone who has passed through life before you and gone through everything you’re presently going through. Find a woman that has soared high in your industry to be your mentor. If you don’t happen to find anyone personally, you can find podcasts of women you love.
Reach out to a less privileged female
We sometimes forget that there are other women that do not have access to basic needs. Organise or donate to a drive that caters to these needs. Some of these items may be sanitary pads, contraceptives, pain medication etcetera.
“I am not free when any woman is unfree. Even when her shackles are different from my own.” – Writer. Feminist. Civil Rights Activist. Audre Lorde.
Start a project you have always wanted to take on
We talk ourselves out of our best ideas. The feelings of not being good enough or not being recognised as easily as our male counterparts have killed a lot of dreams before they are even born. What better time to start that project than now? You have all the motivation you need. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Don’t give excuses. Do it now. Think about the many people that have chased their dreams and come out successful. My dear, you are not less equipped than they are. Create the change you want.
Imagine a world where women are not held down by societal barriers and can flourish. We can create that world, one woman at a time. Don’t cower, don’t be scared. Speak up and stand up for everything you want and believe in.
Happy International Women’s History Month.