Celebrating the strength of women
I’m surrounded by incredible women – courageous women, bold women, and strong, resilient, independent women. They inspire me. Today, as we’re celebrating International Women’s Day, I thought I’d take an hour or two to reflect a little on what that even means…
Since its inception in the early 1900s (amid a time of industrial expansion and societal turbulence), International Women's Day (IWD) has been a beacon of empowerment and advocacy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=28&v=0PzWnljCpL0&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.internationalwomensday.com%2F&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo What Is International Women’s Day? > source
From the 1908 march of 15,000 women in New York City demanding better working conditions and voting rights to the 1917 strike in Russia for "Bread and Peace" amidst World War I, the history of IWD is marked by significant milestones in the fight for gender equality. Over the years, it has evolved into a global celebration, championing the achievements of women while acknowledging the ongoing struggle for equality...
A colleague's homemade Baklava, a sweet gesture in celebration of IWD
But, despite progress, disparities persist… from unequal pay to underrepresentation in leadership roles. Within my own field of cultural materials conservation, I cannot ignore the glaring gender imbalance at the highest echelons of power, despite the demographic percentages… Such imbalances not only reflect systemic issues within my profession but also touch upon broader societal injustices vividly portrayed in literary works like "A Thousand Splendid Suns".
"A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini
For those who haven’t read it, this poignant narrative illuminates the struggles of Afghan women against entrenched patriarchy and oppression. A particularly barbaric chapter in the text had me feeling so very frustrated, oppressed, and angry on behalf of my sex, I had to put the book down and distract myself with a run...
Recent headlines worldwide continue to underscore the pervasive nature of gender inequality, whether through the gender pay gap, discriminatory laws, or the prevalence of gender-based violence. Yet, there are subtler, more “banal” everyday moments that underscore the stark divide between men and women. For example, does anyone stop to think about the casual way we women wish each other a safe journey home after a night out, “Don’t forget to text me when you’re home safe!”? Or the outrageous social tendency to underestimate women’s pain, “You’ll get over it”, “Take a Panadol”, “You’re just emotional"?
My hackles are raised, as the saying goes, and I’m in the lucky majority... I’m speaking from a privileged position, being - if I can be direct - both white and English. I can’t even comprehend some of the figures listed in Oxfam International…
However, with each passing year, IWD serves as a reminder of the work yet to be done and the collective efforts required to build a brighter, more equitable future for all. Whilst in some parts of the world we still don’t have bodily autonomy (take the boardrooms of men overturning Roe v Wade in rule against the reproductive rights of women in America as an example)... only this week France made abortion a constitutional right – presenting the universal message to all women that “your body belongs to you”.
There is progress being made. The fact that it isn't universal is just heartbreaking. But that's my naivety talking.
Anyway, tonight - to celebrate the strength of women - I took me out on a date. It began with cooking a nice meal.
Crispy gnocchi with roasted peppers, chilli, rosemary and ricotta
And surprising myself with a ticket to Dune: Part Two.
Film still > source
At the cinema, I even bought a wee brew.
When I got back home, I gave myself a giant hug, proudly commending all the hard work, perseverance, and courage that got me through the last few years. By George, there have been some trials and tribulations.... But going through all that put me in this seat today - doing what I love.
At work, removing the varnish of an 18th century oil on canvas
And I told myself that it’s okay I’ve had to do this all alone. For it indicates that I’m so much stronger than I think. And that's not a bad thing.
Here’s to all the women out there.
Equality knows no gender.
Rise up, use your voice. There is no limit to what we can do.
Disclaimer
Blogger: @actaylor
Photographs: unless otherwise noted, all images were taken by me with an iPhone 8.
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I enjoyed this read, @actaylor 🤗 My husband and I chatted in passing about gender differences today, particularly the more emotional side of women and how that plays out in life and impacts our responses and engagement with others! I honestly think a lot of men just don't understand that women inherently experience the world differently from them. There needs to be some meeting of the minds so that men and women alike can approach each other with a mindset of compassion and understanding even if we don't agree with each other's position. BTW... what an interesting job you have! Art restoration? That must be so rewarding bringing old pieces back to life! !Hug !ALIVE
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Thank you 💫😊 @samsmith1971 What a great conversation to have with your husband. Yeah, there's a very distinct difference in how men and women perceive the world... I think one of the fundamental flaws is that whilst we're brought up expected to be "perfect", men are expected to be "brave" - so wonderfully surmised by Reshma Saujani. It doesn't surprise me that the number one reason women don't apply themselves is fear of failure. Feeling "not up to standard" feeds into everything... it boils down to respect - making sure we feel heard and seen by those around us. But a void exists, and that void is ingrained into the way we work as a community. Women begin on the back foot, no matter where wer're born and raised.
The gap in our knowledge about these differences simply derives from a general lack of care or interest in women, built up over centuries. So much is known about how men operate, but underreporting in female parties is so very prevalent - take the case of ADHD as an example. "She's just spacey", "she's off with the fairies", "she's just a chaotic person" have been legitimate claims for females' so-called personality traits. Societal pressures and traditional gender roles have impacted ADHD diagnoses in women and set the field back many years, according to the tagged clip. Another example is endometriosis, which has only just been legitimised as a disease, no longer socially and medically disputed. One of my friend's endured years of hospital visits, occasionally confined to bed due to agonising pain, before being diagnosed with endometriosis by a doctor who took the time to listen and learn - a situation that's difficult to comprehend. Another friend underwent a significant operation to remove her gallbladder, only to learn afterward that it was encased in so much scar tissue it resembled that of an 80-year-old's organ. Both women are in their early 30s.
We often internalise our fears and insecurities, hesitant to vocalise them, fearing disappointment or ridicule from those around us. This reluctance stems from a sense of worthlessness or anxiety about being misunderstood... whilst men are naturally more hyperactive and physically expressive - they are more often seen, heard, because there's enough respect and understanding out there to support them.
Oh, I could continue... but I won't - haha - but I agree there needs to be a meeting of minds. I think that starting off in the home, with your partner, is a good way to implement change. And you're both clearly doing that. 💛
And thanks for the job compliment! x I am indeed an art restorer - very rewarding, if a tad stressful at times haha. 💫