In Marriage Story, divorce attorney Nora Fanshaw gives a compelling speech about the ridiculous expectations put on women to be everything at once, saying "…Mary, Mother of Jesus [is what women are modelled to be]. She's a virgin who gives birth, unwaveringly supports her child and holds his dead body when he's gone. And the dad isn't there…God is the father and God didn't show up. So, you have to be perfect…
You will always be held to a different, higher standard. And it's messed up, but that's the way it is".
Over the past year or so there has been a steady shift in the way women relate to the term "strong, independent woman", opting instead to embrace the "weaker" parts of themselves. The idea of “the soft life” goes beyond living in the lap of luxury; it's a stern rejection of the idea that we must be everything for everyone all the time. It's a stern, "No!".
We are approaching the first anniversary of South Africa's national lockdown and we've all trudged along despite the uncertainty that has plagued us. We've been courageous and resilient in the face of unprecedented events.
This month we will be honouring Endometriosis Awareness Month by talking to professionals and women who live with the disorder, as well as sharing information about it.
We also want to celebrate the courage and resilience of women without drawing on the famous "We Can Do It" war time poster of a woman flexing her muscles, or images of women throwing fists in the air. We already know that about ourselves. But what about the courage to break down? The ability to be compassionate when the world rewards those who are cutthroat? Putting ourselves first for once?
What is that if not the greatness within? Embrace that.
By Pink Plume