Last week, we had a stark example of the double standard women experience when Finland’s Prime Minister, Sanna Martin, had to undergo a drugs test because had been dancing exuberantly at a party with some friends. Male political leaders have been done worse, but they are rarely questioned nor are they subjected similar indignities. 

Having said this, and in this day and age, we cannot allow ourselves, as women, to be limited by the preconceive notions of others about what a woman should be, or what she can or cannot do. In most countries worldwide, legally, women have equal rights as men. However, the patriarchy and age-old prejudices die hard, so in our individual and everyday lives, we do have a responsibility to ourselves and to our fellow women to foster and nurture that independence, freedom and sense of equality. 

To that end, what is means to be a woman is a unique experience based on all of the circumstances and influences that have shaped you. It should thus be a celebration of who you are and who you hope to be.  

 

Throughout the day, we invite you to revisit this quote. Below are a few questions you may wish to ask yourself, and those who journal may find them especially useful: 

• Who am I? 
• Who am I as a woman, or someone who identifies as female? 
• What might be some external ideas of what it means to be a woman that I had adopted, but which do not align with who I truly am? 

 

 

Best wishes and have a great day!