What does woman hood mean to you?

[SugarMagnolia]

Today is International Women's Day. I regularly consider what it means to be a woman, how I related to that and how others relate it to me.

Teen Vogue has been quite amazing over the last few years in their political awareness and open affirmation of trans, enby and gender non conforming people. They published a piece today asking a number of primarily young women about what womanhood means to them. I was not surprised, but still pleased to find that they'd included a trans woman among their fairly diverse group of women. 

So, I thought I'd share and see what people have to say about their own relationship to "woman" and about your thoughts on what the women in the article had to say.

https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/international-womens-day-2019-what-womanhood-means

[Cyndee]

Hi Julie,

 

  I think one thing special about being a woman is being able to communicate and engage other women as one. For example this older woman slowed down and rolled down her window today when I was out on my walk, and engaged me in such a pleasant conversation, somebody  I had just met, yet was being so friendly and open toward me, I must be approachable, I smile a lot. Last week it was a 30 something black girl that started up a nice conversation with me impromptu, and giving me such positive girl vibes, and high fives as we parted ways. I thought to myself how special to be able to relate to other women in a way that was not possible in that previous life. So participating in the simple aspect of a sisterhood, is perhaps one of the most meaningful to me as a woman, and feeling that inclusiveness. My relationships with other close females to me have changed and strengthened. Being inter connected with others is quite meaningful to me as a woman. Womanhood allows me the freedoms outwardly to express things I've felt inside of me.

 

Happy Women's day

 

Cyndee -

[SugarMagnolia]

I totally agree, Cyndee. That's what means the most to me: being affirmed as part of a sisterhood. 

Just yesterday I was in Whole Foods wearing a new coat that I got on clearance at Macy's. It's a little more adventurous than I normally go for...camel color with some beautiful faux fur making up the collar, but it makes me feel good.

Anyway, the gal in front of me touched the collar and complimented the coat. I explained that my friends had to convince me to get it because even though it looks super retro cool on me I hadn't been sure. What was lovely was her comment: "Your friends were right. Don't deny yourself something you can afford that makes you feel great about yourself. You deserve it!" 

Those random interactions always feel special, and the relationships I've developed with my cis women friends are more meaningful to me than I can express. 

[Kirsten]

I really couldn’t tell you what it means to be a woman because I don’t really know. That was a great article, and they all have such powerful things to say. But I think most of what they say can be said about any combination of gender you identify as. It seemed to me that most of the girls explained what it meant for them to be themselves rather than be a woman. So maybe that’s what it is. To simply be yourself and to be proud of that person! 

I guess if I had to have a response, what being a woman means to me is that I don’t have to pretend and lie anymore. I can be proud of how I look, and how I act rather than scared to be truthful and honest. Very simply,  being a woman means freedom to me. ❤️❤️

[SugarMagnolia]

Kirsten, you're so right. That's one of the things I loved about the article ...how it is experienced uniquely by everyone. 

Edited March 9, 2019 by SugarMagnolia
typo

[Susan]

I couldn't agree with you more to Kirsten. Just feeling and being yourself is one of the most important things in life. I feel so great about myself and that I can finally be happy with my life. Hugs all!!!

[Kirsten]

Yeah I agree Julie. It was very interesting to see so many different points of view from so many very different women. It was very validating for me. Thank you for sharing. ❤️