I myself cried when I got angry, then became unable to explain why I was angry in the first place. Later I would discover this was endemic among female human beings. Anger is supposed to be "unfeminine" so we suppress it -until it overflows. I could see that not speaking up made my mother feel worse. This was my first hint of the truism that depression is anger turned inward; thus women are twice as likely to be depressed. My mother paid a high price for caring so much, yet being able to do so little about it. In this way, she led me toward am activist place where she herself could never go.
Gloria Steinem, My Life on the Road
By now you’re probably aware that International Women’s Day is just around the corner, and this year is set to be bigger, badder and bolder than any year before. With the traction of the #MeToo campaign and the statement made by #TimesUp, the tide for women all over the world, is changing.
On 8 March, 2018, there are plenty of ways you can support International Women’s Day in Singapore through attending one of the several awesome live events happening around the country. If you can’t get out of the house or leave the office for a couple of hours, however, there’s no reason you can’t celebrate too with friends, family, or even by yourself, too! Read on for our recommendations of how to spend International Women’s Day this year.
Get yourself to a live event
Over the last few years, more events have been popping up all over Singapore, for women and their allies to stand together in solidarity. This year, some of our favorites include the annual BritCham celebration, the Tough as Nails: International Women’s Day program, and several events organized by the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations. Take the day off work, skip lunch or swing by for a couple of hours if you can, to experience the unparalleled energy and spirit found only amongst a group of people demanding change. You will also get to meet like minded women from all walks of life, and may even make some new friends!
Spoil yourself or an important woman in your life with roses Singapore delivery.
Spend the day with the special women in your life
If you can’t get to a live event, spending the day with the most important women in your life may just be the next best thing. Whether they’re your friends, colleagues, sisters, grandmothers or your mom, taking the time to really appreciate each other is a wonderful way to spend the day. Find a nice cafe and pop open a bottle of bubbly and make a toast to womanhood, as you enjoy a beautiful meal over great conversation. If you feel up to it, ask your guests to share their experiences as women in Singapore, both positive and negative, and talk about ways you can each affect change in your own lives.
Treat yourself to a gift
Being a woman is hard. We’re underpaid, undervalued, underappreciated and often left behind, so giving yourself permission to indulge is a really important step in maintaining self love. What better way to treat yourself than with something you’ve had your eye on, on a day all about empowering women?! We love roses Singapore, accessories, candles and chocolates. While you’re at it, why not spoil the woman who gave you life with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers Singapore?
Listen to some badass music
Movements, revolutions and game changing moments are often remembered through the lens of a song, that symbolizes the feeling, unrest and mood of the time. Think John Lennon’s Imagine and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ Same Love, or any song you associate with a significant event or cultural feeling. There are so many amazing songs about female empowerment, that will put a spring in your step as you listen on your way to work, or better still, will have you singing at the top of your lungs as you blast them through your home stereo. Our favorites are:
Run the World (Girls), Beyonce
Who Says, Selena Gomez
Roar, Katy Perry
I Will Survive, Gloria Gaynor
Born This Way, Lady GaGa
Stronger, Kelly Clarkson
I Am Woman, Helen Reddy
Brave, Sara Bareilles
Respect, Aretha Franklin
Fighter, Christina Aguilera
Shake It Off, Taylor Swift
A dozen purple roses displayed proudly will make a bold statement on International Women’s Day.
Take in some inspiring culture
Spending International Women’s Day at home, with friends or on your own is a completely personal choice. In fact, female empowerment is all about the freedom to choose your own path. If getting to a large scale event or going out to a fancy restaurant isn’t your style, you can still get involved by taking in some powerful and inspiring books, movies and shows. Our top movie picks about female empowerment are:
Hidden Figures, 2016
Legally Blonde, 2001
Erin Brockovich, 2000
Matilda, 1996
A League Of Their Own, 1992
Bend It Like Beckham, 2002
Mulan, 1998
The First Wives Club, 1996
Wonder Woman, 2017
Stand up for yourself and others
International Women’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to for women of all kinds to come together with a common goal, and make a statement about the change they wish to see in the world. Real change, however, comes from everyday acts of defiance, standing up for yourself, being confident in who you are, and not tolerating anything less than what you’re worth. Think of all the inspiring women who came before you, and feel empowered by their sacrifices and the battles they took on so we could all one day be equal. And most importantly, learn to love yourself, and all of the wonderful women in your life.