International Women's Day

I have often remarked that I come from a family that bumps its men off when they get into their late 50s and early 60s...it is something of an exaggeration...with, of course, an element of truth. Because we lived in a coal mining town many of my male relations simply died of things we are all too well aware of these days. And, even though neither of them were miners, both my grandfathers had died when my parents were quite young.
It meant that I grew up in an environment that was strong, and strong because the women who survived needed to keep their families together. And did this rather well. So I never quite understood (from a practical viewpoint) what many women were talking about in terms of being disempowered; though intellectually I recognise that my powerful, competent matriarchal ancestors worked very much within the parameters that a biassed society gave them. They were not, I think, feminists; but they certainly were strong women.
I have been blessed with three daughters. And as I reflect on what I as a parent have done for them, I am thankful that they are strong, articulate and assertive. At the same time they are deeply feminine and will all be good women. They are worthy successors to our female ancestors.