International Women’s Day 2019

 

This day needs to be acknowledged every year. On International Women’s Day I always do a lot of thinking and reflect on my feelings of women and their position in the world today. My thoughts are always tinged by the experiences I have had in the weeks leading up to IWD and this year is no different.

This beautiful image (by Little by Lupin) reflects how I am feeling today. It may be chilly and cold still, but there’s a hint of Spring in the air, and Summer will eventually arrive. I am fortunate to have a group of women around me who support and encourage me, whatever endeavour I’m pursuing. These women don’t all live near to me, although luckily some do. I see my friends and colleagues doing amazing things for other women, whether that be through their work, their mothering or their care of others. Most of them know that they need to perform self-care to do this well, and there is no guilt for ensuring they can do the best for all. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Recently I’ve been working alongside a group of midwives who are engaged in a project to provide Continuity of Care to the women in their area. This in itself is fantastic, but they are also inviting other birth professionals to meet their antenatal groups. Myself, along with other doulas, hypnobirth teachers and yoga practitioners, have been given the opportunity to speak to women and their families about many options which fall outside of standard NHS care . These choices may provide additional support to them through pregnancy, birth and beyond. I am so excited by this as it is a perfect example of women being open to ideas, looking at things from a new perspective and raising up other women. What is not to love about empowering women to make their own choices about something so life-changing as becoming a mother.

I have also been doing some training to support women who are survivors of sexual and domestic violence. This wasn’t entered into lightly but there has not been a second when I have regretted that decision. I’m a long way off completing my training, but the course has been transformative.

To sit in a circle of women who all have the same desire to improve the lives of other women is very grounding. I have always considered myself a Feminist, but now I am a far better informed one. I have been shocked and saddened by most of the information given to me, but at present I feel as if we are on a mountain, heading for the top (although admittedly with a long way to go).

To finish, I wanted to include a picture of the gift sent to me by my sister. On International Women’s Day, I know there are millions of women who have my back, the same way I have theirs. But there is something special about a sister who sends you a reminder of your worth, on just the right day.

‘Empowered Women, Empower Women’

Happy International Women’s Day 2019

 

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