What is there for the woman

In a couple of months, the most annoying date (for me), on the United Nation’s events timetable will happen, International Women’s Day. So why would a woman be unhappy celebrating a day attributed to her? It would not be the first time I would answer this question, I have for a long time been thinking: Why do we give half of humanity a day on our calendar? And the most annoying answer always comes from those who say: At least!

Fortunately, the recent events in our world, albeit sad, are pushing people to finally understand that unless women are fully and equally participating in all world affairs, which includes leadership ranks, there will be no peace on earth. Timid moves have become more prominent, some women are coming out of their silence, speaking about abuse, others fighting for more freedom, equal pay and equal opportunities. It is great that women can now drive in Saudi Arabia, they also have more significant presence in social milieu and take part in the world of employment, but in other parts of the world the situation remains unchanged. In a country such as Iran, it is getting worse, the focus on women’s hijab (head scarf) seems to surpass any other priority, to the extent that taking off the scarf and posting it on social media has become a way of protesting. I am not quite sure how effective that is, but it seems one of the few ways left to voice out frustration.

Oprah Winfrey, while accepting her award at the Golden Globe ceremony, gave a very thrilling speech. Dressed in black, she and all women present were also protesting the years of sexual assault inflicted upon women, especially in the film industry. Usually Oprah’s words are touching and profound, and this time it was the same, it struck all the right chords and reached down inside the heart and soul. She gave examples of the past and hopes for the future. Such speeches from people who were not born with a silver spoon in their mouth, people who lived hard lives but still managed to reach the top of the mountain with their effort and sacrifice, have a different effect on the listener.

I was looking at her shiny diamond earrings while giving her speech, they looked stunning and for sure had a high price tag on them, but they could not take my attention away from her radiating soul and the deep meanings she tried to convey. Not many can build an empire like her, but for sure every woman has the capacity to become the best in her domain, the most prominent being a great mother and educator.