As we embrace ‘Women’s History Month’, ‘International Women’s Day’, and Mother’s Day, it feels entirely appropriate to turn a spotlight on the women in our lives: our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, daughters and friends.
Open any history book and there will be heroic stories of women to inspire and captivate. From Greek Amazons to Norse Valkyries, and from Chinese Mulan to the African Dahomey Amazons; throughout time, women have thrown themselves into conflict and conquest despite overwhelming odds. Examples of icons like Queen Boudica and Joan of Arc serve to exemplify the courage and determination of women of their time, most unusual in an age of patriarchy. At Tilbury, Queen Elizabeth I, rallied her troops at the age of 54 … “I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too ...”. Centuries later, women like Rosa Parks and Emmeline Pankhurst led entirely different armies, but battled nonetheless for gender equality, civil rights, and social justice.
Now, in the 21st century, there are still warriors who live and walk amongst us. You may not wear armour or carry weapons; you may not have agility or superpowers and your actions may not be recorded for posterity in annals of history, but you are warriors nonetheless.
And so, I salute you … the women who juggle their career alongside family responsibilities; women who are sole caregivers; women who are negotiators and peacekeepers; women managing health and wellness; young women and girls navigating life and learning; women of wisdom and empowerment; and women who are friends to be counted on when it matters most.
For difficult decisions made; for challenges overcome; for sacrifices made; for resolution over revolution; for intelligence twinned with humility; for compassionate kindness; for vulnerability and authenticity; for doubts plagued with insecurities; for collaboration and cooperation; and for the scars of a life well lived, you are a warrior queen, and your strength which is manifold should never be underestimated.
Queen Elizabeth II wisely said, “It has been women who have breathed gentleness and care into the harsh progress of mankind.” For the queens who walk among us … you were never a princess … you were always and will remain a warrior! So, hoist your standard, raise your shield and forge ahead with your infinite courage and determination … you’ve got this!
Iona Carmody
Head of Lower School