Today is International Women’s Day, and I am proud to be a woman. I am not apologising for being a woman. I love being one. Although growing up in a patriarchal society in the early eighties and nineties, I wasn’t too keen on being a woman. I observed women treated badly, abused, assaulted, and sometimes murdered wilfully. It was scary.
Even today, women are still maligned and ridiculed. Speaking up for yourself as a woman can open you up to criticism, coupled with the growth of a hydra, nasty social media where abusers could hide behind the screen and spurt hatred with relish.
We may also face gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination. Afraid of walking alone at night, feeling uncomfortable in certain situations, and being subject to sexist remarks or attitudes. In some countries, women fight off killers daily. It’s never ending.
However, on days like these, we can let our hair down and celebrate being a woman, a mother, and a human being. We have shown resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity and have made significant contributions to society in various fields, from science and technology to politics and art. We are a source of pride and strength.
Being a woman means having a unique perspective on the world, shaped by experiences and challenges specific to the female experience. It means standing up for oneself and others, pushing boundaries and breaking down barriers, and celebrating the diversity and strength of women everywhere.
I love being a woman.
Seyi Sandra David 