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International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Being a strong, independent woman doesn't mean that you be a die-hard feminist. It just means believing and standing up for yourself and what you know is right without trying to fit in the mold implied by society. So how can we empower ourselves?
1. Don't compare yourself to other women. Constantly feeling jealous of other women will leave you feeling horrible about yourself. Media often feature unrealistic standards of beauty resulting in a culture of women who feel insecure and unhappy with their own bodies. These women are paid to look the way they do, and many of them lead very unhealthy lives to maintain their figures. The camera really does add weight; women who look "perfect" in magazines or in movies usually look anorexic in real life. Try not to compare your own negative qualities with other women's positive qualities. Every woman has her own best assets. Let go of trying to have it all, and appreciate what you do have.
2. Don't base your happiness on being in a relationship. Having a man to love should enhance, not define your life. You must first learn to love yourself before you can even begin to love somebody else. Remember that nothing lasts forever. Even the perfect relationship might end one day. If you are already in a relationship, be sure you have other things going on in your life outside of the relationship, whether it is school, work, friends, a fitness routine, or your family.
3. Protect your sexuality. Every woman, at one point or another, encounters a man who wants to take advantage of her sexually. It is important to learn both how and when to say no to a man who is making unwelcome advances on you. If a man forces himself on you, you must tell somebody. Society has taught women to feel ashamed being molested or raped, even going so far as to claim that some women are "asking for it." Letting a man get away with a sexual crime teaches him that it is okay to do it again in the future.
4. Stay educated. Being educated not only gives you the skills and knowledge you will need to pursue your career, it also makes you more well-respected by the people you encounter in your life. Your level of education (whether formal or informal) reflects your intelligence and shows others that you care about things other than your own personal life.
5. Manage your finances. If you want to be truly independent, you must learn how to pay for your own life so that you don't have to rely on other people. Spend your money wisely, and avoid wasteful or frivolous expenditures.
6. Give to others. One of the best ways you can exert your strength is to give back to those who are less fortunate than you. You don't have to be rich or affluent to make a positive impact in your community, so start small. The simplest thing you can do is a random acts of kindness. If you see somebody in need, then help them. Even as small an act as helping somebody carry boxes can brighten up his or her day.
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