Celebrating but with twists! Let’s follow the Science, through to the Health through to the strength and resolve of powerful athletes, survivors, exercise instructors, to top level coaches! It’s about equality, provision, opportunities and successes.
Scientists behind the scenes that inform the Government, the Medical Profession, the Charities, the general population and then the ability to apply this to be well enough to access exercise, fitness and good mental stability, which allows us to be able to function at our best and achieve positive steps to a better way of life. With clear role models and support across all walks of life.
‘According to the World Economic Forum, sadly none of us will see gender parity in our lifetimes, and nor likely will many of our children. Gender parity will not be attained for almost a century. There's urgent work to do - and we can all play a part’.(https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About)
So, Let’s get started with International Women’s Day and its history;
International Women's Day is as the title suggests an opportunity to celebrate on a global level the achievement of women through the social, economic, cultural and political platforms which is an annual event that falls on the 8 March. This day is for all women, whether you are a high achiever in a given field or simply someone who makes a difference to the lives of others. It’s also an opportunity to support the younger generation, challenge their perceptions as to what they can achieve and to highlight to leaders in certain industries that women can hold their own and prosper when given the opportunities they deserve.
International Women's Day is one of the most important days of the year to:
Celebrate women's achievements
Raise awareness about women's equality,
Lobby for accelerated gender equality &
Fundraise for female-focused charities and promote their successes.
The colours of Purple, green and white and they are meant to symbolise justice and dignity, hope and purity, although this is thought to be a controversial concept. The colours date back from 1908 from the Women's Social and Political Union in the UK in 1908. Whilst International Women’s Day itself can be tracked back over a century to 1911.
The day is themed each year with the 2021 focus being 'Choose To Challenge'. The theory behind this is that by challenging ourselves and the world, we will eventually become a more ‘alert world’ and through these challenges we can generate some change. Significant activities are witnessed worldwide. Groups unite to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.
The International Womens Day Website aims to support those who are supporting others and provides vital information on activities happening, ideas on how to get involved,
A really important part of this is the breakdown of Missions that are running and aim to guide towards the challenges that we are being asked to commit to and which include;
Each section gives a more focused mission, some challenge examples as well as introducing the key issues for each one. There are also some examples of highly skilled and dynamic women within each area of specialism. It states the current situation and where things need to progress. You’ll find inspirational stories and plenty of ideas of how to get started.
There is a great event finder which you can access here. There are events across the UK including Brighton, London and Manchester. There are also opportunities to access Virtual Events. A great example of this is the Women Like Us Festival that us a joint project between This Girl Can and Active Essex, supported by International Women’s Day. With 15 great female instructors a full exercise programme has been put together which will be aired live on Facebook and Youtube during the afternoon and evening. Reading this on Sunday? Then you’re in luck as you have one day to consult with the timetable below! If not then you won’t miss out as all videos will be uploaded onto the Active Essex YouTube Page.
Throughout lockdown the terms Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Spotify, FaceTime and Sway have become common themes, buzz words and part of our daily lives, adding to the usual Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. Whether for work, medical appointments, for entertainment, support, health, exercise or communicating with family and friends these platforms have become a way of life for many but a stress for others.
A shining example of this technology being used in an extremely positive light has been achieved by the Pituitary Foundation and their Virtual Conference. Whilst this Conference is usually a full on event in Bristol over two days with patients, volunteers, supporters and speakers from around the Country coming together to share and learn this year things are a bit different. The same principles apply but the programme is utilising technology to reach an extended audience and linking through the science and health components they have gathered top medics from far a field. So instead of looking at what speakers they can arrange and when they can attend they have used this opportunity to reach out and beyond the normal presenters and over a series of days in which they produced a vast array of speakers who could be fitted in when they can amongst their already busy lives at the forefront of the pandemic.
Another significant factor is the power of Women within this field! With Speakers such as Senior Clinical Lecturer Dr Niki Karavitaki, Regular Pituitary News contributor Dr Sue Jackson(Chartered Psychologist),Helen Stokes (Paediatric Endocrine Nurse)and Specialist Endocrine Nurse Pauline Whittingham.
Although anyone can suffer from Pituitary Conditions because they affect the hormones in the body there are many conditions that specifically need to be addressed for female sufferers and the majority staff within the organisation are also female, including, Menai Owen-Jones - Chief Executive Officer who heads up the hard working, knowledgeable staff on her team. They may be in a low pay sector but they are empowering and showing what can be achieved. This also connects with our theme for the month on Women’s Health. If you missed the conference and wish to catch up then you can do so via the Facebook and YouTube Pages. The chart below shows the amazing content which also included some Zoom activities to keep the community together where possible and some great Q&A sessions.
With Mothers day approaching
Next week we will be looking at Mother’s Day, another way in which the impact Women have on society will be celebrated.
Sadly this day is extremely difficult for many and the reason behind this can be because of a variety of issues, complications, trials and tribulations. But being creative we want to give a look at the possibilities for all of us to turn this into something that can be memorable and allow us to reflect and make adaptations in a positive light or simply allow it to pass us by without it being more than just another day in lockdown.
Despite the high streets being closed down some windows are adorned with Mother’s Day decorations, cards and presents in hopeful anticipation of opening in time. Sadly, thwarted by the roadmap delivery on 22 March(UK) This could be to the advantage of the mental health of some but to the heartbreak of others. The build up more sensitive this year in light of COVID. The sensitive nature of emails from companies who would usually bombard us with flowers, cards, photo gifts and more are allowing people to opt out of such targeted emails with companies such as Boots, M&S and Very leading the way on a year like no other.
Issues faced can be Infertility caused by medical conditions such as Pituitary Gland complications or Cancer treatment and gynaecology conditions can lead to heart break and this needs to be recognised. The anxiety, stress and worry can affect your health and with death statistics staring out everywhere we look, there are difficult times to face. For those who have been lost to those fighting, to those who may never be able to know what a joy being a Mother can be. Those feelings may always be there but around Mother’s day this may be amplified by the times we are living in. How many Mum’s have been lost through this pandemic?
Any significant impact psychologically may manifest in more physical symptoms and the need for more medication or adjustments to daily activity to be made. Numerous conditions will be affected here but we can trust in the science to enable us to keep ourselves safe and adjust accordingly.
So just be few tips to get you thinking as next time it will be full out Mother’s day Celebrations with a twist!
If you want to spend the day wallowing then do!
If you want a full on Mother’s Day with breakfast in bed, presents and a trip outside (within COVID guidelines of course) then go for it!
Buy yourself something extravagant if that’s what takes your fancy!
Start a challenge either for yourself or as a family using one of the International Women’s Day Missions
Be kind to yourself and look after your LTHC/disability - Show some self compassion
Visit change.org and find a petition about something that you are passionate about & share with others
Feel empowered and adopt a new exercise plan
Place some flowers on a grave site or buy yourself a beautiful arrangement
Above all, whatever you decide is right for you is what you should do-do not feel guilty! Just make sure you talk to your family in advance to tell them your wishes. A Women’s right is to choose how they feel and how they celebrate or how they don’t.
So, join the movement of International Women’s Day, acknowledge your part within and wear the colours and fight for the next generation. Whatever your commitment or challenge you can be sure that it will unite with others and the future will continue to beam light rays above us. Every women can contribute. You just need to find your pathway. Select your area and make some moves!
Stay safe, get that vaccine when you can and enjoy the amazing success of Women around the world.
International Women’s day Home Page
International Women’s Day - Women Creatives
International Women’s Day - Women & Technology
International Women’s Day - Women & Sport
International Women’s Day - Women’s Health
International Women’s Day - Women At Work
International Women’s Day - Women’s Empowerment
International Women’s Day - Event Search
This Girl can Programme Home Page
Active Essex - Women Like Us Festival
Women & Girls In Science Day Home Page