Let yourself rise

Let yourself loose and enjoy

By Anne Mukei

Last Saturday, the world celebrated International Women’s Day. This is a day when women are recognised for their achievements without regard to divisions — whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.

It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.

Women are truly special. I grew up in a family of more girls than boys, and now that I am a mother of boys, I feel even more special because my boys and their father have made me feel so.

But even as I am treated differently, the burden on my shoulders is always huge. I am the one who has to ensure the house is clean; there is milk in the fridge; the dogs have food; the house-help is happy; the house is clean; and the clothes are laundered.

Yet I have to go to work, battle the maddening traffic jam, and still be that warm woman who is ready with kind words for whoever she interacts with, and a hug for her brood.

Sometimes, I wonder how I do it. I am not alone: Allison Pearson has penned a book on the same — I Don’t Know How She Does It. It is a hilarious book that tells the story of Kate Reddy, a harassed working mother whose days are filled with the bittersweet drama of trying to find a work-life balance.

Women juggle so many balls that, in retrospection, it really is a miracle that they remain sane, clean and happy — even if only for a few, divine moments.

Is it any wonder that the male species that almost always has their domestic matters catered for, seems to have an advantage in the workplace, and remains on top of things almost constantly?

As we mark the 105th year since the first International Women’s Day was celebrated, it is interesting to note that the issues women had to deal with then are more or less the same today, if not worse.

COMPETITIVE WORLD

Still, there are lots of successes to note. Today, millions of young girls dare dream that they can be president, CEO, surgeon, Olympic medalist, pilot, tycoon, anything — because those before them have shown that their dreams, as Lupita Nyong’o memorably put it, are valid. Many women now live sustainable lives through the sweat of their brow, and still manage to raise functional families.

Modern women are definitely more emancipated and can set their minds to achieve virtually anything in this world. The sky is the limit.

But even as we raise the flag of womanhood higher, it is important to remain sober in this competitive world, and not lose sight of those values and virtues that form the basis of humanity.