Little Pixie Wild

Happy International Women’s Day to all the strong women out there, and the men who stand beside them.

Here’s to fighting for what’s important, not trivialising the small things. Yes, in a perfect world all of the issues would be dealt with, but how can we get upset over a few derogatory terms when there are women around the world who would give anything to have words thrown at them instead of a fist.

By all means protest – it can make all the difference when there is injustice in the world. But please remember how lucky you are to have the right to speak out and remember there are women who would be stoned in the street for trying to stand up for themselves. So don’t belittle yourself with stupid antics. Trust your voice and your message – you don’t need to throw a tampon in someone’s face to make a point.

It’s your body, and if you want to wear something skimpy and see-through then you go for it! But don’t get angry if people stare. I have absolutely no sexual desires for the female body, but if I see a pair of boobs practically hanging out, I can guarantee you that it’s going to catch my gaze. If you prefer your body to be kept private, maybe consider showing a little less of it.

Equally, if you find it demoralising that men objectify the female form, then you should probably reconsider posting those pictures of half naked men on your pages. One rule for one and a different rule for another? I mean, come on, you’re completely missing the point of equality! Don’t get me wrong, if there’s a hot guy walking past me then without a doubt I am undressing him with my eyes. But then it doesn’t really bother me if someone decides to do the same with me. If they’re stupid enough to imagine me naked then they deserve any nightmares that come their way.

Think. If you are going to share posts about feminism and have rants about gender inequality then make sure you do your research. There is so much false information out there that you can easily spread ridiculous falsities that just make you look ill informed and benighted. Make sure you check out that bandwagon before jumping on it. No one will take an idiot seriously.

Lastly, if you decide to devote yourself to your career, then you should be proud of that. But don’t for a minute think you’re any more important than the mum who decides to give up work to stay at home with her children. And don’t think that procreating makes you more of a woman than the girl who decides she doesn’t want kids. Or the mum that goes back to work and has help with childcare. Everyone’s circumstances are different, you should never assume that your idea is the best.

My point is, women (and men) have fought throughout history for the right to have a choice. The right to choose what we wear, what we say, how we earn a living, who we love, who we marry, how we spend our time and who we spend it with. These are basic rights that we haven’t always had, and that a lot of us take for granted. So many women still don’t have these basic rights. Some countries won’t even let girls go to school, or let women drive, how crazy is that? Would I like to be taken seriously whatever my gender? Of course I would. But I think I can shoulder a few wolf whistles and sexist comments, especially if it means I can save my voice to speak up for those women who can’t speak for themselves.

Why don’t we use International Women’s Day to help those women who are less fortunate than ourselves, and maybe even try bridging the gender gap instead of driving a wedge in to it. After all, there’s no ‘International Men’s Day’, is there?