International Women's Day was last week, Mothering Sunday and Aspirations Day at Dizzy and Bear's school was this week. Lots of celebrations for women.
I was reflecting on how we treat our daughters. 100 years on from getting the vote we have come a long way. Women are able to be financially independent, meaning they can escape abusive fathers and husbands. My grandmother says she married to get out from her father's controlling nature. Her name wasn't allowed on the mortgage of her first marital home. This was only 50 years ago.
Women now work. Most jobs will have women doing them, even if they are in the minority. The glass ceiling still exists, with women generally earning less than men and less likely to be in senior or leadership roles.
Has fighting for equality made us lose sight of some of the wonderful ways women are different to men? Of course women can be pilots, engineers, fire fighters and mechanics. What about the things that only women can do?
Women grow babies, make food. Their bodies are made to nourish and respond to their children. It's biology. Working women are great. Working mothers are amazing (I did it for 7 years).
Women and mothers are important in their own right though. It would be sad if we didn't teach our daughters that they can be anything, and that choosing to be a wife and a mother is just as important as being a chief executive or an astronaut.
So inspire your sisters, daughters and nieces to be who they want to be. They should be valued as much as men. Support them to break through that glass ceiling if they choose their path. Inspire them to be the best wives and mothers and to be proud of being a woman and enjoy the amazing way they are different to men.
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