The 21st Century Women: Strong and Independent
Celebrating International Women’s Day #BreakTheBias
Standing by the window, I watched the seamless flow of the rains as Mother Earth opened her mouth to receive the much-awaited nourishment from her Creator. The irresistible, refreshing scent of dry sand tickled my nose, reminding me of my younger self when I would run into the streets with my friends singing, Mvura naya naya tidye mupunga (rain fall so we can eat rice). Summer is finally here! Butt-naked and carefree, we ran from end to end, in the streets of those high-density suburbs enjoying the feel of the raindrops on our young bodies.
A little bit about the history of strong women, during 1908, there was an ongoing critical debate among women about their oppression and inequity.
When 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights, the push for reform became louder. The inaugural Women’s Day was honoured in the United States in 1909. Copenhagen hosted an international meeting of working women in 1910.
Clara Zetkin is the leader of the Social Democratic Party’s Women’s Office in Germany, who presented the idea there. On March 19, 1911, Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland recognized International Women’s Day for the first time. Women in Russia celebrated their first Women’s Day on February 23 during 1913 and 1914. Later, it was determined that March 8 would be International Women’s Day.
Getting home with drenched clothes was an achievement! When the clouds got darker no one flinched as we sat outside, waiting for that first drop. You can picture the excitement of an innocent mind, the beautiful soul of an African child. “Dorie, come inside now”, the voice of my Mama called. Our hands locked as we walked into the house, Mama in the middle, my friend on her right. The streets start to clear as mothers lead, not just their own but every child to shelter.
The heart of a mother, the heart of Ubuntu, the precious heart of Africa! As we take time to celebrate International Women’s Day, like children dancing in the rain, we take time to reminisce on a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. As we take time to celebrate Women’s month, we stand for equality as we value the immortal beauty that defines a woman.
T. D Jakes in his book, Woman thou art loosed says: “There is awesome power in women. God has chosen that women serve as the vehicles through which entry is made into this world. He has shared His creativity with women.” Whether conceived in the womb, or the heart by adoption, we take time to celebrate earth’s magnificent incubators, nurturers, and the grand royalty of everything women.
Remember, the screams and shouts of joy of every child, the future generations, can only come from a life giver who is loved, enthroned, and given her rightful place in society. It comes from a woman free from abuse. Therefore, when you see me walk the streets of Africa, remember:
I am royal.
I am love.
I am the ambience of peace in nature.
I am strength and vitality.
I am the walk that defines a sustainable future.
I am all things bright and colourful.
I am joy and laughter.
I am a mother.
I am a WOMAN.
It is said, a women’s love is a true reflection of God Himself, this is made true by the gift of ‘birth’ she was gifted to carry. She deserves all the blessings!
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
Happy Women’s Day WOMAN!
#CelebratingInternationalWomen’sDay2022
#CelebratingWomen’sHistorymonth
#BreaktheBias
