"I am she who, out of her womb, brings forth nations." Eloya Somaine

It's time to celebrate the incredible power and influence of women all around the world. If there's one group that knows how to own a month, it's definitely women! Just take a look at the countless records released over the past decades about femaledom. My playlist is bursting with empowering anthems!

We are the ones who run the world; we are superwomen, and we just want to have fun. And now, we proudly call ourselves 'Mambokadzi', which means 'Queen' in Shona. It doesn't get any better than that. So, what does Women's Day mean to me? It's not just a day or even a month; it's a complete revolution that started back in the 1950s and even centuries before.

My personal connection to this day and the month at large began when I entered the workforce, especially when I became a performing artist. Even as a stay-at-home mom, I always believed in women occupying spaces of power and influence. I had incredible female public figures whom I looked up to as they defied the odds, including the multi-hyphenated Bonang Matheba and the incomparable entertainer of our generation, Beyoncé. These powerhouses inspired me to dream big.

On my bedroom wall, I had a vision board filled with my aspirations of becoming a media and entertainment powerhouse, working with various corporations. When I think of successful editors, names like Anna Wintour, Khanyi Dlomo, Susan L. Taylor, and even the fictional character Miranda Priestly from 'The Devil Wears Prada' come to mind. These women have led some of the world's most influential publications, and they embody what it means to be an empowered woman.

What a journey it has been navigating womanhood, especially as someone who was raised by men! It has given me a unique perspective on the whole equality narrative. Growing up, I witnessed the importance of equality firsthand. My father, brothers, and male relatives treated me with respect and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. They never made me feel inferior because of my gender. In fact, they empowered me to believe that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.

However, as I ventured out into the world, I realised that not all women had the same experience.

According to the Oxford dictionary, a woman is defined as an adult human female. However, the journey of womanhood extends far beyond a mere dictionary definition. It encompasses the experiences, struggles, achievements, and aspirations of individuals who identify as women. As we celebrate International Women's Day in 2024, the theme of #InspireInclusion calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. It's a follow-up to the 2023 theme of 'Embrace Equity'. The United Nations' official theme for this year is "Invest in women: Accelerate progress." It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030.

However, we must acknowledge that there is still work to be done. The gender pay gap remains a significant issue, and the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have had a disproportionate impact on women. But we won't let these challenges define us. We are resilient, and we will continue to strive for progress. According to the World Bank, in 2020, the global female labour force participation rate was 47.8%, a significant increase from 38.8% in 1990. This rise demonstrates women's determination to seek economic independence and equal rights.

It made me realise that the importance of womanhood starts with us as women. Whatever we're fighting for, we need to fight for it from within ourselves. We need to champion womanhood and support and empower each other. Instead of stepping on each other to get ahead, we should lift each other up. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology revealed that women in senior positions were more likely to engage in negative behaviours toward their female subordinates. I have encountered passive-aggressive behaviour from female leaders and witnessed women at top executive levels undermining and belittling their female colleagues. This is disheartening, as it becomes a hindrance to progress.

The women's movement, rooted in the pursuit of gender equality, has been instrumental in shaping the opportunities available to women today. Women's participation in the workforce has increased significantly. By supporting and empowering one another, we pave the way for progress and equality. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, if women participated in the global economy at the same level as men, it could add $28 trillion to global GDP by 2025.

It's crucial to recognise that the things we fight for should not be at the expense of other women. We should strive for unity and solidarity. Taraji P. Henson once said, "I'm not competing with another woman. I'm competing with everyone." Her words resonate deeply because they highlight the importance of focusing on our own growth and achievements rather than tearing each other down.

Doja Cat's song "Woman" comes to mind, with its powerful lyrics that call for women to stand together and celebrate each other's successes. It serves as a reminder that we should not be competing against each other but rather working together to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes.

As we celebrate Women's Month, let's remember the significance of supporting and empowering one another. Let's embrace the spirit of inclusion, breaking down barriers, and challenging stereotypes. In the words of Malala Yousafzai, "We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back." Together, we can create a world where all women are valued and respected.

Happy Women's Month!

#WomensHistoryMonth #InspireInclusion #Women #GenderEquality