Reading this post over at Midlands Musings, really made me stop and think. It seems that feminism has had a lot of bad press lately. There are too many misconceptions that miss the fact that feminism is a striving for equality. It is not (or certainly not meant to be) about hate.
The ABSA Where Women Walk campaign from August, celebrates the many roles that women are able to occupy in society. It is inspired by the women of South Africa who marched on the Parliament Buildings in Pretoria, in protest against the apartheid pass laws. The march gave a surge to the South African women’s liberation movement and demonstrated the power of women working together.
I love the picture of people uniting to make the world a better place and these histories, and campaigns such as this, give hope and inspiration to women all over the world.
I know I am privileged beyond measure to be a woman where and when I am. There are so many, too many, women (and men!) less fortunate than I. So in reflection on my blessings, and in recognition of the women who have made this life possible, I thought I’d share an insight into where I walk…
I live in a lovely little house with a red door. I walk the wooden floors of my home, that I am awed and honoured to own with my incredible husband. I tread the decking and the grass of my little back garden and the red bull nose step to my front door. I stroll our quiet street to the handy shop round the corner or the cosy café to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate and catch up with friends.
I wander the halls of the school where I work. I can’t even count the number of directions my career has twisted and turned for me to get to these particular halls, but I know I am blessed to live in a time and place where I have had so many opportunities. I hope to wander these halls for a long time to come.
When the day for voting comes around again, I will wend my way to the polling station and exercise my hard won right to vote. To have a voice.
When the time is right I will be able to choose to have children, and then whether to stay at home with them, go back to work or a combination of the two. I am humbled to have that choice.
My path joins with those of my incredible friends and family, my wonderful husband, my encouraging colleagues and the many inspiring strangers whose paths I cross online. What an honour to share the journey with you all.
I thank all the amazing women who have beaten a path before me. Strangers who have protested and fought and died in the pursuit of rights of freedom and equality. Friends who have walked with me, held my hand, pointed me in the right direction and nodded encouragement as I chose my own.
This is the path I walk as a woman, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and everything else that makes me me.
Share your path in support of #WhereWomenWalk .
Thrive In Chaos 