International Women’s Day: The strength of a woman

By Shola Benson

Every year on March 8th, we celebrate International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the remarkable achievements of women around the globe and honoring the strength that empowered them to rise against challenges and break through barriers.

International Women’s Day is a celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It serves to acknowledge the progress women have made over the years while also recognizing the ongoing struggles for gender equality.

This year, our theme, “The Strength Of A Woman,” calls us to reflect not only on the societal advancements made but also on the struggles faced by women throughout history and in today’s world.

As Maya Angelou famously once said. “I’m a woman. Phenomenally. Phenomenally woman, that’s me.” This powerful assertion underscores the essence of what it means to be a woman, embracing one’s identity, flaws, and all. Women have nurtured movements, led resolutions, and inspired movements, all while often facing systemic inequalities.

Their strength is not just physical; it’s emotional, intellectual, and spiritual, manifesting in various forms across the world, cultures, and generations.

Take, for example, Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, who once boldly declared, “I raise my voice, not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” Malala’s strength lies in her unwavering commitment to education, especially for girls in regions where it is denied. She transformed her pain into a purpose, inspiring millions worldwide to fight for their rights. Her story exemplifies how courage can ignite change, illuminating the path for others to follow.

A historical perspective: Women who changed the world

Throughout history, women have played important roles in shaping our world, From Marie Curie to Dora Akunyili and so on. Their contributions have often been overshadowed, yet their strength remains undeniable.

Moreover, women like Rosa Parks and Wangari Maathai have demonstrated profound courage in the face of systemic oppression. Park’s moment of defiance on the Montgomery bus became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. While Maathai’s Green Belt Movement transformed environmental activism by Empowering women in Kenya. Both women exemplify how strength lies not just in physical prowess but in the determination to challenge injustice.

Literature and power of words

Words gave the power to inspire, and women writers have wielded this power effectively to convey strength and resilience. Maya Angelou’s poem, “Still I Rise,” embodies the essence of a woman’s strength, with lines like “You may tread me in the very dirt, but still, like dust, I’ll rise.” This declaration is a testament to the indomitable spirit of women who rise above adversity, defying expectations and societal constraints.

Despite the constraints placed upon them, women have penned thoughts, stories, poems, and narratives that resonate for generations. From the classic prise of Jane Austen to the poignant verses of Sylvia Plath, women writers have used their voices to challenge norms and advocate for change.

Intersectionality: Understanding diverse strengths

As we celebrate the strength of women, it’s also necessary to recognize the diverse experiences that shape individual and collective strength.

Intersectionality-how different forms of identity(gender, race, socioeconomic status, etc). The strength of a woman can’t be generalized; it is nuanced and shaped by her unique circumstances.

Ms. Shola T.O.S Benson