EmPOWERing Women is to ACCELERATE PROGRESS #LOH 176

To tell a woman everything she cannot do is to tell her what she can.

I am pleasure to answer this week's contest:

March is Women's Month and we would like you to reflect beyond the stereotypes about what you like about being a woman — from the depths of your being, focus on those characteristics or personal reasons.

Women are remarkable in their power, passion, knowledge, vigor, and compassion. We dare to confront discrimination straight on and overcome every obstacle that comes our way. We from all origins and locations work to demonstrate that this is not just a man's world; it is a world for everyone!

Every woman must meet her own standard of being. We are not prone to petty jealousy. We are confident about who we are.

I highly appreciate women who accept changes, not just for themselves but also for the country.

However, we understand that gender inequity continues to prevent certain women from reaching their full potential. Some women face uneven wages, excessive household work, living below the poverty line, or being ignored in politics and decision-making that affects them.

It is time to recommit ourselves to the advancement of women’s rights and equal opportunities for all. Let us enable every Juana to show how extraordinary she can be by tearing down barriers.

As the eldest daughter I constantly feel like I'm not doing enough, that I'm straining to maintain a façade of control as if the entire home relies on my diligence.

The sense of responsibility for my family's pleasure, the pressure to achieve, and the perception that I am not being cared for in the same manner that we care for others.

Our parents have their respective jobs, so I learned to be independent and stood up to my younger siblings. During my elementary days up to college we used to live without our parents by our side. I don’t know the feeling of a kid having their parents fetch them up after school. A feeling of having a parent who will defend them when something happens. I grew up with minimal supervision so I learned to keep up with myself and the same time, struggle at a young age.

Despite their absence, I realized that I was raised in a hardworking family. They are my motivation to be a hard-working, determined, and versatile individual. I appreciate the love they give us. They still make sure to be there during the significant days of our lives. I am very honored to be their eldest sibling.

I am who I am today because of them. I hope I can return the favor by achieving every single goal my parents always wanted me to. We can do anything we set in our mind.

My parents taught me to stand on my own, to be on my own. So if the time comes that I have my own family the courage that has been planted in my heart will be my refuge to overcome all hardships in life.

I learned how to stand alone, how to be brave alone!
I learned that the only time I actually grow is when I’m uncomfortable.

No one could stop a heart full of aspirations. A heart that can only feel success. A woman who’s eager to stand up for a change.

All hardships have been part of me since I was young but looking back up on these days, these hardships helped me to obtain what I have now. I’m happy and contented, and I’m always ready for a change.

The world needs strong women. Women who will lift and build others,who will love and be loved. Women who live bravely, both tender and fierce. Women of indomitable will.

This March, let us be reminded that this month is not only for us, women. It is for everyone. It is a day for all of us to celebrate women and work for their full empowerment. Let’s all make change work for women!

To all the women, thank you for lighting up our homes and bringing sparks of positive difference wherever you go!