I saw a news article about the split of childcare between men and women and of the 37 countries surveyed Ireland was described as the most unequal with women doing 93% of the childcare. A staggering statistic when many of those women also go out to work, clean, cook, and possibly look after other family. Whatever the split this was
a recurring theme across all countries surveyed and the most notable finding was that women are restricted from seeking opportunities outside the home due to their domestic and child-rearing responsibilities. And then I thought what extraordinary women and wondered how they cope, how do they look after themselves to make sure their batteries get recharged to keep up this amazing level of responsibility?
Every year on the 8th of March it's International women's day which fall this week. In about 30 countries this day is a holiday and in some of these countries it's restricted as a holiday for women only....wouldn't that be nice. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation, and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political, and social achievements.
This year in Ireland around the country there seems to be a strong movement to remember the women of 1916. This truly is a celebration of the role of women is such a momentous event for a nation. It is inspiring to think of these women, 100 years ago, rising up and making a stand along side the men.
You can spend time with family, got to the gym, go for a walk to relax but I think the most powerful thing is when women come together for a collective intention. It could be for a book club, a knitting class or just a coffee but there is a magic that happens. I feel that as women we look at the world with a different view. When we are together we all of a sudden become friends, sister and mentors. We cry, laugh, sing, dance and create connections.
The women of 1916 showed us the possibility of what we can do when we open our hearts and souls. The level of intellect, love, camaraderie and support when women come together in our stories, our journeys and most of all in our need to be one is very powerful. I've seen locally what this can achieve from building hospital units to art exhibitions.
So in Lúnasa we are having a little celebration and are offering a free tea or coffee to every women this International Women's Day. So if nothing else this year on the 8th take time out for you and maybe make a pledge to yourself. Think about what you like to do, what you're passionate about and make a small change to your environment for you. And if you spend time in a group of like minded women remember, if you want to, you can change the world.
More Info
Some websites on women's groups:
Some things close to home are the Healthy Options Project Erris. They have a great video on their Facebook page about what they do and are a great point of contact for finding out about groups in the area like the Erris women's group & the book club.
https://www.facebook.com/HOPErris/
www.nwci.ie
The National Women's Council of Ireland - describes itself as 'the leading national women’s membership organisation seeking equality between women and men, founded in 1973'
www.networkireland.ie
This is an organisation for women in business, the professions and the arts.
www.ica.ie
The ICA is the largest women's association in Ireland, with more than 10,000 members and over 500 Guilds accross the Country who cook, travel, craft and socialise!
Some inspiration:
Kathleen Lynn exhibition on her role in 1916 runs in Áras Inis Gluaire from Easter Saturday.
