Happy International Women's Day
Today I begin with one of my favourite pictures, that of my mother and grandmother heading off to market.
Meanwhile thoughts of many amazing women who have been and continue to be my guides come to mind.
There are the school teachers, Sunday School teachers, piano teachers, professors, Women’s Institute friends, Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT - I never did figure out what we were in training for) clergy and 4 - H leaders.
Other women are known through literature or social media where an abundance of poets, authors, scientists, theologians, musicians - courageous women of all walks of life expand my heart and mind.
As I read their work on paper or screen, listen to their music, and witness their passion for equality, I am inspired by the many ways they live a vision of love and justice for all Creation.
For instance, this morning I attended the annual Kennebecasis Valley International Women’s Day celebration. The theme this year - Inspire Inclusion 2024.
While we bemoaned the reality that gender based inequality continues, we celebrated the fact that the three mayors in attendance, as well as the mayors of NB’s three largest cities identify as women. We also acknowledged that to date there has never been a female premier of NB… not yet. Dare I say soon!
Guest speaker Mary Bulter, President and CEO of New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), who has accomplished great things, shared her story with passion and great humour.
She grew up being told she could do anything. Until she couldn’t. And was repeatedly told what she should not do. For instance, despite being the fastest runner and having the longest distance throw, she should not become a football player. She should not become a fighter pilot. She spoke of how she unconsciously internalized the message “Girls don’t do those things.” The idea of being a successful business woman, let alone President and CEO, were never put forward as options.
None the less, swimming upstream, by her early twenties Mary had her own business. She recalls how as a young business woman, she would wear a suit… to be taken serious… like a man. (Reminding me of how, as a preacher, I have been told my dangling earrings are a distraction. I’ve often wondered 'Distraction to where?” But I digress!).
Mary continued with stories of women who have overcome the barriers. Such as a successful Ukrainian businesswoman, whose goal was to create a company of equality “where no one cries alone in the bathroom.”
Mary did not deny the growing inequalities that exist globally. Still she reminded us that “transformation does not happen accidentally. Transformation happens by intention.” She encouraged us to “let’s not delay celebrating the equalities that are happening.”
So let’s celebrate. And consider - the women who have and continue to made a difference in your life? Be specific. Name the faces.
Let’s celebrate and give thanks.
In Peace,
Elizabeth
506-650-4812
My Grandmother, Margaret Fairhead who told me to do what I wanted and work hard to achieve it. And Rev. Elizabeth Stevenson who believed in me and gave me the courage me to do whatever it was I wanted to accomplish. I am forever grateful for these woman in my life.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bette for your kind words. Much apprecaited.
DeleteI wish I had more encouragement, however I am proud of what I did accomplish on my own.
ReplyDeleteGood from you... to have accomplished good things, especially when more encouragement would be helpful. Thank you for commenting. Much appreciated. Elizabeth
DeleteAt one time we all know that "men held the reigns". So rewarding now to see women allowed to express their opinions. It has been a struggle for ladies to be accepted and prove their efficiency over the years. G. O'B.
ReplyDeleteThis is very late but I just read your thoughts. I have had a great time sitting here thinking about all the women who helped shape my life. Some had a big influence while others touched my life in small ways. Thank you for your thoughts, Elizabeth.
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