Let’s Talk? is a new column exploring women’s-rights issues.
On March 8, the world celebrated International Women’s Day. Events were planned; social media was flooded by women and men posting opuses to the great women in their lives. “May we know them, may we raise them…”
Women’s bathroom signs were rejigged to point out that she’s not wearing a dress; in fact, she is wearing a cape. A pink glitter bomb exploded across my Facebook feed as the world tried to empower women.
I’m ashamed to admit that I didn’t post anything. And it’s not because I was unaware. It was impossible to be unaware.
I didn’t post for the same reason I hate roses on Valentine’s Day. It seems disingenuous. If you want to gain brownie points, make me breakfast in bed on a random Saturday in November for no other reason than because you think I’m awesome.
My same logic applies to International Women’s Day. Why do we need a day to celebrate women’s strength? Women are strong 365 days a year.
Now, I’m not going to lie: I do buy my mom a card on Mother’s Day, but that’s more for fear of being shown up by my siblings than celebrating the fact that my mom and my dad gave in to my older sister’s relentless demands for a minion. My mom is my mother every day, and I’m thankful for her every day. Just like I’m grateful for all the other amazing women in my life. I don’t need a random day on the calendar to tell them that.
That being said, the frustrating reality is that some people do need a gentle reminder. Some people need to see their Facebook feed flooded with pink glitter bombs to be reminded how freaking awesome womankind is. But, I implore these people, don’t let it just be a day. Take a moment, right now even—okay, maybe not right now; finish reading my amazing musings first— to tell a woman in your life how much you respect her. Fight for her every day. Not just March 8, or Mother’s Day, or Valentine’s Day.
I long for a time when this becomes second nature, a time when the genders are so equal that the idea of celebrating Women’s Day is just as absurd as celebrating Men’s Day. Until then, let’s all do our best to make every day Women’s Day, and strive for a day we no longer need it.