Women’s Month
March is identified as Women’s Month, a month designated in our calendar year to give extra attention to amazing, warrior women who have contributed to changing our world. While this month will honor and celebrate magnificent ladies, sharing their stories and highlighting their achievements there are so many others who will remain in the shadows with silent voices carrying the struggles and burdens of abuse, depression, and anxiety. The stories that are rarely ever told.
Women During Covid
This year more than 1 in 5 women in the United States experienced a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. In this year of COVID women, in particular, have been negatively impacted. According to the Mckinsey report on women in the workplace, women—especially women of color are more likely to have been laid off or furloughed during the COVID-19 crisis, stalling their careers and jeopardizing their financial security. This past year has intensified the work-life challenges working moms already faced with the added anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship strife lurking in the background.
Women Warriors
Despite the challenges women face we continue to be the fighters for change in our world, communities, and families. Women have fought for their rights to vote, in wars, and still fighting for equal rights. We carry new life into our world, providing nurture, guidance, trust, and respect that impact our homes and the children we are raising.
Every day women are in the fight of their lives trying to survive the grave losses experienced this year. These are warrior women that deserve recognition and appreciation for their strength, fortitude, and resilience in the sacrifices and challenges they have endured.
Mother of the Year!
I had the honor of being recognized as the 2021 Virginia Mother of the Year, a recognition that had me bursting with much-needed joy after the difficulties with transitions I encountered this year. For a moment I felt imposter syndrome creeping up with critical messages that would have defeated the moment for a significant honor. I received a call from a beloved sister-friend and former Mother of the Year honoree who reminded me that my existence as a woman and a mother is a reason for appreciation and deserving the honor. I had to stretch to embrace the feeling of being a recipient of this homage and remain forever grateful for my circle of sister-friends (my village) that reflects love and light when I need it most.
#choosetochallenge
Ladies, this is our month of honor! It is an excellent opportunity to reach out to a sister, girlfriend, mother, grandmother, aunt, or daughter to extend some love and appreciation for who they are as women. Women empowering women is sharing messages and powerful stories of women that remind us of our power, strength, and connection with each other. As we can become more mindful of the messages, we tell ourselves, the women that work with and for us, and the messages we tell our daughters we strengthen our well-being. This women’s month is a reason to celebrate the awesome women in our lives.
Your words of appreciation, encouragement, and love can go a long way in lifting her spirit or inspire her to keep fighting the good fight. If you have a woman in your circle who is struggling in her relationship, overwhelmed with anxiety, depression, or trauma reach out for help on her behalf. This year’s official International Women’s Day theme is #ChoosetoChallenge, it’s a call-to-action to honor, celebrate, and advocate for women. Will you be your sister’s keeper? Will you rise to the challenge by raising a hand or a voice and take a stand to empower women this month?