I write this on March eighth, International Women’s Day. As a woman myself, while I am admittedly not a staunch activist for women empowerment and suffrage movements, it does not mean I do not care, nor do I condone shaming and disrespect towards women. I acknowledge that there was a time in history when women were not given the right to vote, and our voices totally oppressed, and I am eternally grateful for our predecessors who came before me, and fought for our equal rights. Perhaps it is because I was brought up in, and by a family of strong women that I personally have never felt undermined because of my gender. That is not to say however that I do not stand up against those who do. In fact, it is upsetting when women are disrespected, abused, treated as second class citizens, and worse, used by men wrongly – both literally, and figuratively. Women deserve so much more than that. They deserve to be loved, to be cared for, and at the very least, respected.

Women are multi-taskers, and are experts at juggling. I am yet to meet a woman with only one thing going on in life. Women are fierce and loyal protectors – of their cubs, and those who mean the world to them. Women are fighters – for what is right, and for those who they love. They are providers, perhaps to some extent survivors, who will always find a way for themselves, and their families. Women are instinctive, and strong. They are patient, caring, and understanding. Women can bear pain – mentally, physically, and emotionally. But women are also vulnerable, soft, and have their limits. Women need to be loved. Because it is with that love that they are able to love in return, and contribute positively to the world.

Women are natural nurturers in this world; the instinctive caregivers, and thus, for those of us with sons, it is also our responsibility, and we must take it upon ourselves to raise good men. To raise a child is one of the most daunting tasks in this world, but I am a firm believer that every child is the product of the example they are shown, and surrounded by. So let us be the woman we want our sons to seek, admire, and respect. Let us raise them to be the kind of men who uphold women to the highest level because they know everything we have done for them, and they feel the undivided attention, love, and sacrifice we readily provide for their welfare. The kind of men who are capable, and strong – strong enough to fight for the women they love – but also gentle, and tender hearted. The ones who love wholeheartedly because they were only ever loved that way.

IF you are reading this, let this be your reminder. No matter what gender you associate with, I am certain that there is an instrumental and influential woman in your life. Take time today to let her know that you are grateful. Let her feel the love she so deserves, and allow yourself to be the vessel that multiplies her love further. Let this be your reminder that women deserve at the very least the highest amount of respect due them.

Simply put, we would not be in this world without women.