I read with so much mirth today’s newspaper which had a
picture of the “Stiletto race” in India sponsored by the women fashion brand-
Elle, to mark the International Women’s Day celebration. It wasn’t so much the
funny shot of a lady tipping over in her high heeled shoes but yet remained
persistent in reaching the finish line that caught my attention. It was however
the subliminal message of women as resilient, valiant, strong and determined to
achieve life’s goals amidst hardship that registered with me.
The picture uniquely captured the very essence and soul of a
true woman. She is expected to work like a horse, while still looking
impeccable and well put together. The imagery of using stilettos to race I believe
might have been to show that as uncomfortable as high heels are, a woman wears
it as though it was all effortless. She straightens her back, squares her chin
and carries herself through this difficult life while looking graceful.
This got me to thinking about the rather ever youthful
mindset of women. Though we deal with a myriad of things in the course of our
lives, we never seem to tire of giving love nor do we become soulless. And in the
grand scheme of things, no matter how much we lose, we are always looking for
someone or something to give love to. It’s our blessing and our curse.
Women nurture, birth, cater to, love, feed, and in all these,
we do it with a smile. It’s as though we have a will of steel. Being called the
fairer sex, I believe has more to do with our ability to show and give love
more than the assumption that we are by virtue of their physical composition,
weaker than our male counterparts.
Therefore, I dedicate this piece to all women in the world,
especially those who have seen so much bitterness, sadness, loss and pain and
still yet retained their joy. In a world
that is constantly trying to put women down, segregate, oppress, plunder and
pillage its fairer sex, I send this out as a shout of encouragement to all who
still stand strong.
To my grandmothers, Dah and Mama Kafanchan who is always full
of life and still imitates the way I danced as a kid, I celebrate your joie de
vivre today and always.
To my mother, Momma Jates who’s my pillar and chief
disciplinarian, you are loved beyond measure.
To my aunties, sisters and cousins who have all played
pivotal roles in my life, may the Lord’s mercies be upon you all.
To my friends, who have become sisters, you make the world go
round.
Happy International Women’s Day to me and to all women in the
world… God bless
Picture after the cut....
Photo credit: Google
USA today
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