Yesterday, the world celebrated the International Women’s Day. In my little corner of the world, I have always been an advocate for women, especially in the area of women’s health. I use my pen (and keyboard) to fight for the weak and oppressed, and I lend my voice to speak for the voiceless.
The theme of this year’s commemoration pricks my interest: Break The Bias. For too long, women have been at a disadvantage when it comes to their own health. They don’t have the right mindset to shape their thoughts. They don’t have the right education to make healthy decisions. They are not empowered enough to care for themselves…
These (and more) explain the high rate of maternal deaths in the most disadvantaged communities – Sub-Saharan Africa especially.
We have to start breaking down the bias against girls and women. We need to let them live their best lives as daughters, wives, mothers, professionals and artisans.
I know it’s not mothers’ day, but to me, motherhood should be celebrated along with womanhood, every single day. That’s why I have written a book that addresses aspects of motherhood that are often left to chance. Every woman who chooses to be a mother should be respected and supported through the journey. All forms of bias against women and mothers must end!
I wrote these lines about 2 years ago and I’d like to share again:
A woman who conceives naturally is a mother.
A woman who conceives through IVF is also a mother.
A woman who gives birth to many children is a mother.
A woman who does not give birth to children but nurtures and fosters many children is also a mother.
A woman who gives birth to boys is a mother.
A woman who gives birth to girls is also a mother.
A woman who gives birth through the vagina is a mother.
A woman who gives birth through CS is also a mother.
A woman who can tolerate labour pain is a mother.
A woman who opted for pain relief is also a mother.
A woman who breastfeeds her baby is a mother.
A woman who is genuinely unable to breastfeed is also a mother.
A woman who homeschools her children is a mother.
A woman who sends her children to school and daycare is also a mother.
Let us stop shaming mothers because of circumstances they couldn’t control.
No mother is more motherish than other mothers!
©Doctor KT
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