In the spirit of Women’s History Month, let’s embrace our womanhood and all the “secret sauce” ingredients that come with it. Let’s defy the status quo and break the boundaries!
Let’s celebrate the true essence of what it’s like to be #LikeAWoman in an often male dominated and gender biased world. This month, instead of trying to be like a man to get ahead, let’s represent #LikeAWoman – Think like One, Act Like One!
Many of us bring home the bacon, take care of the kids, are the backbone of a family and do it tirelessly without missing a beat. Sadly our efforts, ambitions and accomplishments often go unrecognized, but we can not let that stop us.
Sheryl Sandberg presented these troubling facts in her book Lean In.
-Women are 57% of college graduates and 63% of masters degree holders, but that majority fades as careers progress
-21 of the Fortune 500 CEOs are women
-Women hold only 14% of executive officer positions
-Congress is 18% female
-Despite outperforming men, female surgical students give themselves lower grades.
There are many, many more examples and startling reasons why women do not have equal power. But the point I want to make is that we need to stop apologizing for not being more like men, stop letting it hold us back, stop sabotaging ourselves and instead, embrace our womanhood. We need to stand up, stand tall and own our personal power, uniqueness and purpose.
These celebrated, unstoppable women in history unapologetically did, and you can too! Be inspired and motivated to…
1. Be groundbreaking! Marie Curie, a Polish/French scientist, was not only the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, she was also the first person to win for two separate categories for research into radioactivity in 1903 and for chemistry in 1911. She also helped develop the first x-ray machine. Remarkable!
2. Be a trendsetter! Coco Chanel, a French fashion designer, was instrumental and revolutionary in defining feminine style and dress during the 20th century by taking traditionally male garments and redesigning them for the benefit of women. Fabulous!
3. Be a global icon! Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmentalist, pro-democracy and women’s rights activist, was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace. Iconic!
4. Be a voice in this world! Sojourner Truth escaped from slavery and used her voice to become a powerful speaker for abolition and women’s rights that changed American attitudes toward slavery and women. One of her most notable speeches was entitled ‘Ain’t I a Woman.’ Instrumental!
5. Be unconventional! Katharine Hepburn, an actress, won four Oscars and received over twelve Oscar nominations, but it was her unconventional lifestyle and her acting that redefined the traditional views of women’s roles in society. Individualistic!
6. Be out of this world! Mae Jemison, a physician and NASA astronaut, became the first African American woman to travel in space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Universal!
7. Be an Olympian! – Nadia Comaneci, a Romanian gymnast, won three Olympic gold medals in 1976 and was the first gymnast to gain a perfect score of 6.0. Flawless!
8. Be a history maker! Rosa Parks, a civil rights activist, indirectly led to some of the most significant civil rights legislation in American history because she refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama. Her brave defiant act set off a chain reaction that changed America. Historic!
The accomplishments of these and thousands of other amazing and powerful women across the globe each have started a ripple effect that spreads from generation to generation encouraging, empowering each of us to be resourceful, make a difference and leave a legacy that contributes to the rich history of women.
In honor of Women’s History Month, share one small thing you will do this month to be #LikeAWoman and proud of it. We’d love to hear from you!
Katrina McGhee says
Love this Andrea! We must own our power, and operate from our base of strength – unapologetically embracing all that we are, and encouraging others to do the same. #LikeAWoman
Andrea Anderson says
Just taking a page out of your book Katrina. We are unapologetically unstoppable!
Athena Russell says
Great reminder Andrea to just BE, exactly who you were born to be. I am Woman! Thanks for sharing
Andrea Anderson says
Thank you Athena! Celebrating everything that is uniquely you!
Kimberly says
Inspiring. I’ll continu to be #LikeAWoman as I pursue my dreams.
Andrea Anderson says
Kimberly you inspire me to act #LikeAWoman during this uncertain season of my life to pursue my dreams. Thanks my friend!