Ain’t I a Woman? was delivered by Sojourner Truth in Ohio, in 1851. She was an American abolitionist and women’s rights activist. Helen Reddy sang, I Am Woman, back in 1972. So where are we since we received the right to vote 100 years ago? A lot has happened in the last 50 years since Helen Reddy’s song. I say every month is Women’s month and we need to talk about more than those who broke barriers. Today nameless women are showing up on the front lines of war in Ukraine and Russia and many of their stories will never be told. We also live during a time where we talk about women and intersecting identities. As a person who represents women and blacks, I was moved to bring this up after reading Learning for Justice’s article “A More Complete Women’s History”, March 30, 2020.
2022 is a special year for celebrating women and I admire so many that it was challenging how to limit the scope of this writing. Whether you see the beginning or the end of a phenomenal feat or just one of survival and overcoming what seems impossible, everyone must know a woman that should be celebrated.
Women are still the superheroes whether they wear a cape or not. They are changemakers whether they balance careers or their own business with motherhood or not. They are always more than what some label or someone’s jaded idea of what women should be or do. Women are speaking out on everything, doing what others have said they could not do.
And yet, 100 years later after the evolution of women’s rights we are still writing a cautionary tale—how or why more women are not elected to office. We should all be cautious of how the right to vote will impact everyone. I live in a state where gender equity is lagging in state offices. Will we see the 8th woman female Supreme Court Justice, who is also black? All but 7 of the Justices have been male since 1789.
Celebrate Women’s Achievement
Women’s International Focus for 2022 is to raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality. This includes the full scope of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It requires investing in others and communities for future generations. While gender inequality continues, achievements happen and therefore are worth celebrating.
Women called out the inequity in National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s locker rooms and their tournament gifts compared to the men’s gifts. This year some of the locker rooms will be upgraded. Others may not be upgraded even when the women bring fame and championships to their school. But many of the NCAA afterthoughts have been captured in a report and changes will become actionable.
Women made caring for their children a priority when the pandemic forced changes. Additionally, women make sacrifices through pay inequality, as they earn approximately 23 – 46 cents less for every earned dollar. There is a new Woman Soccer Commissioner. Pay equity was finally recognized for Women’s Soccer even though the agreement to equalize pay is contingent on a contract being ratified.
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Women Army Corp – the only all-African American, all-female unit sent overseas during World War II highlights women’s history, inequity, and great achievement. These 855 women received no benefits while fighting for the morale of American troops in 1945. After mail began to stack up, this Army Corp created a new tracking system. These women processed an average of 65,000 pieces of mail per shift and cleared a six-month backlog of mail in three months. The women adhered to the motto of, “No mail, low morale,” providing essential support for the U.S. military in the European theater. Their efforts linked servicemembers to their loved ones back home. They achieved unprecedented success and efficiency in solving the military’s postal problems. I have been inspired by stories about women in the various news sources. It makes you question where have all these stories been?
The military has finally put some teeth into acknowledgement of sexual harassment after the exposure of unprosecuted cases. This is just one category where we highlight the importance of having a platform where you let your voice be heard. The word “fact” seems to have lost its significance, but we must continue to teach our daughters and sons about the phenomenal women who birth, nurture, fight, encourage, and engage others to share what has been buried.
Change is evolutionary and therefore sometimes takes longer than we hope. But it is hope that keeps us doing and having each other’s backs. We do that through texts, phone calls, visits and sometimes on a much more visible platform for many to see.
To recap Women’s Month or Women’s International Day one must think about women who are courageous advocates for the marginalized or other women and girls, highly motivated to fight for what is right. What can you commit to do? It has been said to aim for a seat at the table where you can be an influencer. But today young people are saying create your own seat at the table. You need challenges to be successful in life. Today there are more women-owned businesses than any time in history. “If our dreams do not scare us, then they are not big enough.” Central State University, OH President Jack Thomas, March 4, 2022.
Consider two questions and answer what something is you could do right now to make the world a better place. Which women inspire you? What impact are you making? You can start just by getting involved in your community. You can never be younger than you are today. Today is the Lord’s Day; I will rejoice and be glad in it. Plan your life as if you will live forever but live as if you will die tomorrow.
Inspiration for this post is brought to you in collaboration with Pink Passport Society/Larisa Troche Founder and Divas, Diamonds, and Dollars podcast where I share whole-life insights with my Sister for the collective sisterhood of women everywhere. Please subscribe and share with others. Cecelia Benford, Leadership Coach
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