Unsung Heroines - Women’s History Month

 

During women’s history month we tend to illustrate the women who have made a difference in the world through science, technology, politics, human rights, or some other geopolitica

However, I prefer to highlight the importance of bravery of everyday women who put their lives, the lives of their families, the very essence of their being at risk for choosing to just say no to oppression.

The women of the Iranian national team, at a disadvantage because they were required to cover their bodies from head to toe,  made the decision to silently protest by refusing to sing the National Anthem imposed on them by the theocratic regime. The regime deemed them traitors. Some brave women requested asylum in Australia. Kudoes to those brave souls. 

Consider the women who fought for the Resistance during WWII; the women who went to work in factories personifying Rosie the Riveter during WWII; the women who volunteered as nurses during the wars and conflicts; the women who fought for women’s rights during the 60s, 70s and 80s and endured harassment, abuse, denigration and lesser salaries; the women who paved the way for current generations that glide seamlessly into corporate America; the women who broke barriers and gained admission to universities that formerly refused to admit women; the silent heroes that pierced the barriers that finally allowed women to serve in our military in combat; the everyday women that step by step- day by day- conversation by conversation- example by example- degradation by degradation; rising above offense by offense- humiliation by humiliation- arose like the Phoenix to succeed in a world that wanted us to fail.

I was one of those women. The patriarchy hounded me through years of corporate oppression. I did not fit into a box that would have benefited me. If a senior leader asked my opinion— I gave it- not a great idea in corporate America. 

But I. Am proud that I could pave the way for those who followed me. And I hope, that my generation of women gave courage to those who followed us - including the beautiful, brave Iranian women who decided to take a risk for their own autonomy. I know,  no matter the risk, their families gave them the choice to do what was necessary for their survival. 

Always celebrate girl power!