Raise a glass with us in celebration of International Woman's Day!




What does it really means to be a woman in 2019? 

Thankfully, we are no longer seen only as wives, mothers and homemakers with heads full of fluffWe can fully encompass a role as nurturing mother as well as a leader in the board-room. 

Thanks to the crusades led by our predecessors, women are educated, employed and valued for their input to society.  

But, there is still room for improvement. We want to be able to read magazines teaching women how to reach their goals. We want to see more diversity and equal opportunities in the workplace, and on our tv screens. Yes, ladiesthis is undoubtedly a continuous journey working towards complete equality but when we look back at how far women’s rights have come, we can truly appreciate the tenacity and resolve that has got us this far 


HEROINES OF HISTORY  

The kind of determination and drive that has led many women to success is like that of Kathrine Switzer. Kathrine is an athlete, activist and author, however she first came into the public eye in 1967 when she became the first woman to officially run the Boston marathon - a race that had previously only ever been entered by men.  

The mood of the onlookers was electric as they saw a woman running in the race. But the mood soon changed when a race official tried grabbing at her bib to remove her numbers, only to be intercepted by Switzers then-boyfriend. Unperturbed, Kathrine triumphantly finished the gruelling 26-mile race with blistered feet, blood-soaked socks, and probably a new found sense of purpose. 



She went on to campaign for women to be officially allowed to enter the Boston marathon in 1972 and later that same year she was involved in creating the first women’s road race. She has had a successful athletic career and focused on improving circumstances for women athletes through writing, speaking and television broadcasting 

"I always say that talent and capability is everywhere, all it needs is opportunity." — Kathrine Switzer 

Looking further back in history, Millicent Fawcett was a leading suffragist and campaigner for equal rights for women. She led Britain’s biggest suffrage organisation, the non- violent (NUWSS) as- well as helping found Newnham College in Cambridge. She played a major role in gaining women the vote, of which we celebrated the 100 year anniversary on February 6th 2018.  




"To women as mothers is given the charge of the home and the care of children. Women are, therefore, by nature as well as by training and occupation, more accustomed than men to concentrate their minds on the home and the domestic side of things. But this difference between men and women, instead of being a reason against their disenfranchisement, seems to me to be the strongest possible reason in favour of it; we want to see the home and the domestic side of things to count for more in politics and in the administration of public affairs than they do at present".   - Millicent Fawcett Home and Politics, n/d. 

An admirable quality in Millicent is how she believed that the protest for suffrage should be a peaceful one, as any violence or extreme behavior would suggest to men that women couldn’t be trusted to have the vote. She made logical arguments and her patient and tactful approach is something everyone can learn something from.  

LEADING THE WAY 

And today, we celebrate the women in the spotlight who are an inspiration right now and will stay that way for future generations

The great work done by HRH the Duchess of Cambridge is something we as a nation can be proud of.  Last month she visited a primary school who were taking part in Childrens Mental Health week and met with parents and pupils to discuss the challenges facing parents to keep children healthy. She supports various charities including BeatBullyingChild Bereavement Charity and Starlight Children’s Foundation and is Patron of several other charities such as Action for addiction and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. It is clear to see that she wants to use her status to highlight a range of issues which is fantastic to see.  
The Duchess has also spent time volunteering in Chile to help with an environmental program and project to help disadvantaged children. She studied psychology at university before changing to an art major and is passionate about childrens mental health.   




How about Stefani Germanotta, more commonly known as Lady Gaga, who has totally owned 2019 by being the first person to ever win an Oscar, Grammy, Bafta and Golden Globe in one year. It is as impressive as it sounds with the poignant moment being the speech she delivered as she graciously accepted her award at the Oscars. 
“ And if you are at home, and you're sitting on your couch and you're watching this right now, all I have to say is that this is hard work. I've worked hard for a long time, and it's not about, you know...it's not about winning. But what it's about is not giving up. If you have a dream, fight for it. There's a discipline for passion. And it's not about how many times you get rejected or you fall down or you're beaten up. It's about how many times you stand up and are brave and you keep on going.” 


`

Also speaking about her success her words resonate with women all over the world.  

“I had a boyfriend who told me I’d never succeed, never be nominated for a Grammy, never have a hit & hoped I’d fail. I said to him someday, when we’re not together, you won’t be able to order a cup of coffee at the f**king deli without hearing or seeing me.” — Lady Gaga 

Yaaasss GaGa! 

ON A GLOBAL SCALE 

On International Womens daywhilst we bask in our victories, it is of utmost importance to also bring attention to the atrocities facing women around the world. Equal pay and rights are still not quite on the money across the world either and 95% of countries are led by male heads of state and this highlights that we are still a long way from a universal goal of total equality. 

It is important to look back at history and learn about how and why things have changed for women, to encourage us to keep moving forwards and campaigning to improve the cultural environment for future female generations.  

SO, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A WOMAN IN 2019...

What message can we take from all this

Well, we see that women are empowering as-well as empathetic. We have a purpose and we have a place. Our role in society is constantly evolving and above all else, we can achieve wonderful things.  

So let's raise a glass to all women. To those raising a family, running a business, running a marathon, leading the way in politics and charity and trying to make a change in communities. To mothers and grandmothers and great grandmothers who lead the way for us to prosper. To women out there on their own, kicking butt. To those who struggle, are in hard environments, to those who have lost and at times hated the world. You are all a part of the journey to a brighter and fairer future for generations of women to come. 

Here's to you! 

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”   
― Maya Angelou 


Elements Boutique Spa is an award-winning, luxury spa set amongst the Somerset Levels in Somerset. To book a spa day, massage, facial, or any of our treatments, please get in touch. Email spa@windmillretreat.co.uk or call 01823 698951



Comments

Popular Posts