Today, on International Women’s Day, we are aware there are still so many reasons we need this day – to draw awareness and attention to all the inequalities and injustices women still have to deal with all over the world. But, it is also a day to CELEBRATE and recognise the many joys of being a woman, so we have asked some women ‘What is one joy about being a woman?’

Before we go into these heartwarming and inspiring joys, we do want to recognise that while they have come from a mix of women living in different countries, with different jobs, speaking different languages and having different life experiences, they are all from women who have a certain level of privilege. They are all living in relatively safe countries and homes without the fear of having to flee from war, poverty or violence.

Enjoy reading these beautiful quotes and take a moment to recognise the many, many inspiring, powerful women that have made an impact on this world, no matter how big or small.

Joys of being a woman…

…the connection, community, love and bond that comes from female friends.

…the friendship, talking through our emotions and raising each other up makes me feel so grateful for being a woman!

…our ability to maintain friendships that survive time zones, toddlers, and tough seasons.

…the immediate feeling of togetherness and safety when with a group of other women; I have never felt lonely in the company of women.

… is finding the beauty in little things like blossom trees and sunsets.

… An rud is fearr liom faoi bheith i mo bhean ná ndáimh, an dóigh a thugann muid aire dá chéile cairdis cruthaithe i leithris an chlub oíche agus ar ndóigh, an plé an maidin i ndiaidh bheith amuigh.  Our capacity for empathy, how we look out for each other, friendships forged in nightclub bathrooms and the post night-out debrief.

… there can be a special sense of support amongst women as we navigate shared experiences and life stages together.

… is seeing the programming and deciding not to follow it! Another joy is uncovering stories that patriarchy had covered up about great women.

… for me, one of the loveliest parts of being a woman is the way we can naturally relate to and uplift one another – especially as mums.

… having the privilege to give birth to my two beautiful and amazing daughters is one of my deepest joys as a woman.

… La mejor parte de ser mujer para mí es que me encanta sentir intensamente mis emociones con música y mis pensamientos, también compartiéndolo con otras mujeres libremente y ser entendida. The best part of being a woman for me is that I love to feel my emotions intensely with music and my thoughts, sharing freely with other women and be understood.

… is doing my hair and make up and wearing pretty outfits.

… is our femininity and the joy of being able to present ourselves in anyway that makes us feel confident and beautiful.

…the emotional intelligence to understand that expressing emotions is a form of strength not weakness.

… is finding beauty in every emotion.

… is being part of a sisterhood formed by deep connection, endless laughter and unconditional support.

… I love having long hair.

… knowing that in times of crisis, despite the stereotypes, it is often women that everyone turns to for strength and direction.

… my favourite thing about being a woman is girlhood – the moments when women and girls support each other, sometimes even without words.

… is the way women and girls show up for one another even if they don’t know them personally. We are able to empathise and emotionally connect with other women even if we’ve only just met.

… Algo que me hace muy feliz de ser mujer es descubrir quien soy junto a otras mujeres con quienes tejemos mandalas del alma.  Something (of many things) that makes me very happy about being a woman is discovering who I truly am, and discovering who I am alongside other women with whom we weave mandalas of the soul.

… is that we find excitement and happiness and love in the smallest of things. A lip gloss, a new shower gel, a keyring, a spring day, a flavoured coffee, fluffy socks. Life can be endlessly good if we keep finding magic in the seemingly mundane.

… is the connection, calmness and community that comes from female friendships because we are fully safe to be ourselves with each other.

… is the power and strength that comes from female friendships – giving women the space to both enjoy life and become reenergised to make the world a better place, all the time knowing you have the support of other amazing women.

Two friends sent quotes they love, along with their own joy…

‘Women’s friendships are like a renewable source of power.’ – Jane Fonda

‘Women’s joking and shared laughter is medicine for tough times. It is a sacred laughter.’ – Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Women who run with wolves

Happy International Women’s Day !