Written by: Natalie Deuschle
“Women hold up half the sky” – Chinese Proverb
Today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day. In different countries, the emphasis of this holiday ranges from a general celebration of respect for women to highlighting the economic, political, and social achievements that women have accomplished. Similarly, at Senhoa, we not only celebrate the uniqueness and beauty of womanhood, but also recognize this day as an opportunity to raise awareness for the continued need of advocacy for women’s rights.
As Nicholas D. Kristoff and Sheryl WuDunn, human rights activists and authors state in their novel, Half the Sky:
Honor killings, sexual slavery, and genital cutting may seem to Western readers to be tragic but inevitable in a world far, far away. In much the same way, slavery was once widely viewed by many decent Europeans and Americans as a regrettable but ineluctable feature of human life. It was just one more horror that had existed for thousands of years. But then in the 1780′s a few indignant Britons, led by William Wilberforce, decided that slavery was so offensive that they had to abolish it. And they did. Today we see the seed of something similar: a global movement to emancipate women and girls.
Every day at Senhoa, we actively engage in emancipating women and girls by raising awareness around human trafficking. So, in honor of this special day, we share with you our thoughts on what it means to be a woman and the significance of International Women’s Day.
Linda, Jewelry Manager
What does being a woman mean to you?
To me, being a woman means: Skirts, Dresses, Heels. Peeing sitting down. Beyonce, Ellen DeGeneres, Michelle Obama. Daughter, Sister, Wife, Motherhood. Resilience, Perseverance, and being Fabulous.
What is your favorite part about being a woman?
Besides putting on lipstick and getting fancy in a dress for all occasions, I LOVE the challenge of proving people wrong when being underestimated as a woman.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It is a day to remind the world that women are the creators of love. Without women, there will be no love, without love, there will be no peace and without peace, we would not exist.
How has working at Senhoa influenced your perception of what it means to be a woman today?
Senhoa has reassured me that value and confidence should be constantly instilled in young girls so that they can prosper into beautiful and strong women ready to take on the world.
Houy, Accountant
What does being a woman mean to you?
Women are the most important people in the world. They have many roles including giving birth, being a mother, and a wife to a partner. Women are also expected to take on male roles as well, including going to school, being employed, and working their way up the social ladder,
What is your favorite part about being a woman?
To have the opportunity to one day to raise a family and become an amazing mother.
What does International Women’s Day meant to you?
Women International Day about recognizing that women have the same rights as men.
How has working at Senhoa influenced your perception of what it means to be a woman today?
Since working at Senhoa, I feel that women are still undervalued in society. The young woman that I work with have been sold by their families, trafficked by their community, been through domestic violence and have access to low education. Organizations like Senhoa are encouraging young girls to become women with confidence and independence while at the same time instilling value in themselves.
Yan, Compliance Analyst
What does being a woman mean to you?
I have been fortunate enough to have grown up in a country that offers equal (more or less) rights and opportunities to women compare to our male counterpart. I also belong to a generation of women that are now deemed to be able ‘to have it all’! Education, career, family, autonomy and independence – economically, socially and personal lifestyle choices, we have been blessed with more freedom and respect as an individual in all facets of our womanhood.
However, ‘having it all’ does not necessarily equate to happiness. Nowadays, more expectation and pressure are placed on modern liberated women to achieve. Increasingly, ever more working mothers are now juggling both professional careers and domestic duties. Single ladies are also struggling with ‘options fatigue’ to accomplish all that our newfound privileges have afforded us. I realised that but you know what, I don’t think I would want it any other way.
What is your favorite part about being a woman?
Being pampered? Not feeling guilty about my shoe addiction? Wearing lots of pink and purple colors? Seriously, I find in general women tend to have higher EQ and are better communicators (sorry guys!) These gifts allow women to better empathize, support and nurture others.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Recognizing that women are as diverse as we are united. No matter which race, culture, tradition, or religion we are from, we all have an interest to advance gender equality and women´s empowerment. In the words of Navi Pillay - UN High Commissioner for Human Rights - ‘’When women are free to claim our rights, we are extremely powerful drivers of progress.” That’s a goal I feel as a woman we can all aspire to, and celebrating IWD serves as a good reminder.
How has working at Senhoa influenced your perception of what it means to be a woman today?
Working at Senhoa and living in developing countries in general has heightened my awareness of many of the daily challenges that women from disadvantaged background face. Young women are particularly vulnerable to violence, exploitation, trafficking. There are many barriers to equality and justice to dismantle, namely women participation, access to education for poor and migrant women, equality and protection of socially vulnerable groups, and domestic violence were among the issues to tackle. It is important for women to support each other and to help themselves.
Sinoun, Teacher
What does being a woman mean to you?
To me, being a woman means a person who has the ability to think, making decisions, feeling happy or sad. A woman can work in society, not just inside the house. Women also play an important role in supporting the husband, nourishing her children and providing them with education.
What is your favorite part about being a woman?
My favorite part is working outside. In general, women have worked inside the house, taking care of her children and husband etc. Now women’s education is growing and women can join in politics, work in the government, and be leaders in the professional sphere. I am happy that as a woman I can work outside and not just stay inside a cave-like house as older generations were forced to do.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me, International Women’s Day is a day to remind all people, especially women themselves, that they have the right to join in society, not just do housework, take care of children and respect her husband all the times. It means that women take part in developing the country, not just men can do this! However, it is also a day for women to remember that they must value themselves as well, because we must value ourselves as women too.
How has working at Senhoa influenced your perception of what it means to be a woman?
Working at Senhoa has helped me become a strong woman who can deal with hard situations that arise in life. I’ve learned to adapt to new environments and work with people from different pasts. At Senhoa I have grown to feel confident in making my own decisions and solving problems by myself and don’t feel like I need to rely on other people so much anymore. I now understand a woman’s true value and duty in society.
Natalie, Operations Coordinator
What does being a woman mean to you?
For me, being a woman means honoring my feminine qualities and using them to nurture and facilitate change.
What is your favorite part about being a woman?
I grew up being a tomboy and only recently embraced being a woman. I love that I now feel comfortable in a masculine sphere but can also connect with and relate to other women about our shared experience in this world, which is a very special thing. I love that I can wear skinny jeans, a baggy shirt, and boots one day and a dress, heels, and lipstick the next. Sharing my laughter and love, being able to channel and express my emotions in creative ways.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me, it is a day that we can celebrate the women in our lives but also recognize the adversity that women have faced and continue to live with today. It reminds me of all the women that have helped me on my path and those that have inspired me to take action in improving the livelihood of women.
How has working at Senhoa influenced your perception of what it means to be a woman today?
Senhoa has revealed to me that there are so many brilliant women who are working so hard to pursue their dreams. It has also been a reminder that this pursuit of happiness varies greatly depending on many factors, like how much a woman’s society values her. Senhoa has allowed me to remain extremely grateful for the education and access to healthcare that I have received in my life.
Kimang, Social Outreach Worker
What does being a woman mean to you?
Being a woman means that she can do everything like a man, but stronger. A woman supports and nurtures everyone in her life, but also has the same responsibilities as a man. Women can work inside and outside of the house. Women give birth, and facilitate the physical and social growth of the children. Now women are apart of building the country. We need both the men and women to advance the world. I think that women also bear more duty in their lives than men do- they must take care of the house and take care of the children, taking care of their minds and hearts. Some women are lucky if they have a good partner in their life but many times the man turns their back in meanness and abandon the woman. So a woman if often left to take care of their children by their self without support from their husband. Women must be so strong to move forward and deal with this kind of situation.
What is your favorite part about being a woman?
My favorite part is working inside and outside of the house. It’s often difficult on the heart to hold onto the things that I love in my life. There is so much responsibility and duty, like taking care of my child. I love women who have children and work to do everything for their children. It is beautiful that a woman can lose everything in her life but she can’t lose her child. Personally, I can lose everything in my life but I can’t lose my child. I must protect his heart and innocence.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It means raising awareness about women being abused or made weaker than men. It is a day that we recognize the woman as equal with men, giving them the same respect and human rights. It is a day that we take care of and love women for all of their hard work to support their families. It is a day that we collectively say that women deserve the chance to develop and progress in their lives.
How has working at Senhoa influenced your perception of what it means to be a woman today?
I am really proud of myself for working with Senhoa and helping young ladies establish themselves. It makes me happy to be apart of improving their future. Working with an all female staff at Senhoa, I feel inspired by the spirit of my coworkers who work so hard to make Senhoa what it is today.
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