Be Bold For Change

Courtesy:india.com

Growing up, especially when puberty set in, I wished I was a boy. In my mind, they had it easier, nobody taunted them for developing breasts as I was embarrassed when mine started coming out and some people would actually say 'hey see Nneka o, she has started developing breasts', I was mortified and wished the ground would open up and swallow me. Also,
they didn't have to deal with the monthly period and the accompanying discomfort. However, it took some growing up and maturity to understand and appreciate my womanhood so much that if I have to come back to planet earth 200 times, I would still be a woman, prettier with each visit, hahahaha....

With that, I wish all the women of the world a happy International Women's Day. From the woman who has to sell her treasures to feed her children and send them to school, to the one who toils all day in the farm; from those who balance their careers and businesses with running a home and raising their children, to those who made that ultimate sacrifice to put their career on hold for the sake of their family; from the young women who pick up the pieces of their hearts after they had been broken and giving love another chance, to the ones giddy with love for their partners, from all tribes and religions, I greet you all, you are all divas in your own rights. It is not easy being a woman in a world where the society constantly tries to come up with ways to push you to the background.

Courtesy:un

The UN theme for this year's celebration is "Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030" with the hashtag #beboldforchange; time has gone when you sit on the fence when issues relating to women's rights are being discussed. Some people might wonder why we don't have such days for men, or any agitation for men's rights, I used to wonder same. I have realised however, that all those rights women clamour for are rights already being enjoyed by the men, as if it just comes naturally to them, whereas the women have to plead, lobby, cajole, etc. in order to enjoy those rights. I appreciate the efforts of notable women who championed the fight for women's rights.

We have to acknowledge that the times have changed, women are getting more involved and we see that in every area of our society. The best way to empower a woman is through education and gainful employment. Planet 50-50 is all about equal opportunities, especially at the workplace. It is quite unfortunate that when most men hear of gender equality, they automatically conclude that what we mean is that women will become men, or something like that. It doesn't even make sense. They forget that the women we're talking about also include their beloved daughters, sisters, mothers, and wives. If you're an Igbo man and see what happens to a lot of young widows, you understand why it is imperative that women should be empowered, especially financially.

It is no longer news that a lot of homes have the wives as breadwinners; how would that have been possible if they weren't empowered? I also encourage women to try and excel in any given area where they find themselves, as we have to work twice as hard to get the same recognition as the men. Many will overlook a man's mistake, but not so for women. We are under constant scrutiny, and we have no option but to shine. While we are fighting for equal opportunities, you need to ensure that you're prepared for such opportunities; use your brains to get ahead, not your bodies or feminine wiles. Don't be the one that gives women a bad name.

In the words of Betty Irabor, "beyond the theme # Beboldforchange which addresses the issue of women transcending gender barriers, women must understand that they are nurturers first and foremost. We are sometimes deliberately unkind to one another. We sometimes can't deal with the success or happiness of other women. As we join the conversations and narratives tomorrow in the pursuit of gender equality and fight against cultural biases that inhibit our growth and potential, let us remember that that change begins with how we as women see, treat and fight for other women. Change truly begins when we do!"

Enjoy your day ladies, and revel in the glory of your womanhood. Remember, you are beautiful.