Happy International Women's Day 2020!

Women : We are same, we are unique, we are Awesome!

Ever wondered, why we need L'Oreal to tell us that "we are worth it"?

In the year 1973 this phrase was launched in an ad and it caught on instantly as it resonated with the women then. It definitely must have been an excellent marketing campaign launched about 40 plus years ago. While, it tapped an untapped marketplace within the women community and increased business multi-fold, it gave a much needed boost to more women to focus on self care and beauty. It also gave women a sense of empowerment and spoke from their point of view at a time when it was a new and shiny concept.

This somewhat still seems pertinent but we must acknowledge that the world for a woman has changed drastically and still is constantly evolving.

Today's women are characteristically diverse. Thousand years of patriarchy has affected the lives of women in varying magnitudes and this has caused us to also have varying degrees of self confidence and self worth.

Each woman is dealing with her own set of opportunities, circumstances, struggles, challenges, limiting self beliefs and societal conditioning.

We all have somethings to teach each other as we learn from each other. It is only about how open we are to accept one another. When we stop trying to relate and look at the world around with the lens that only passes through the positives, you will realize the beauty of all the unique and diverse women.

Our evolving character is a concoction we make throughout our lives, peppered with life lessons and the positives we draw from the ladies around. I am sharing a few things that I have drawn from and hope it resonates with others.

When you see your friend spending a lot on shopping: Instead of judging her, appreciate her sense of self worth!
When you see your colleague fretting over promotion with bubbling ambition : Instead of advising her, appreciate her fearlessness, perseverance and sense of responsibility!
When you see your mother or aunt as home makers : Instead of looking down on her, appreciate her creativity and contentedness!
When you hear of a struggling model trying to make her mark : Instead of raising an eyebrow appreciate the fire in her belly, determination and her bravery!
When you see your grandmother arguing and trying to prove her old ways: Instead of writing her off, appreciate her grit and strong will!

Most importantly,

When you see a colleague who does not want to climb the ladder but just wants to earn her share for the family; instead of ridiculing her, appreciate her balance of thought and strong mindedness, for she is not the one who chooses to be a part of this rat race. Her world is different and so is she.

This women's day, try looking around at fellow women with this new lens and you will probably want to celebrate the differences more than wanting to relate to them.