Today, the Hot Mommas Project takes a moment to think about International Women’s Day and reflect upon ourselves as women and the considerable role that women play around the world.
Below, are my personal reflections as Graduate Teaching Fellow for the Hot Mommas Project. Prepared by: Karima Morris Woods.
“I may see in a woman the greatest beauty of a Girl that is invisible to the eye but reached by the heart. The support of a Wife that is powerful beyond measure. A Hard Worker in her fullest potential to fight for her own dreams. The giving of a Mother that is probably the most valuable career a woman can receive. The wisdom of a Grandmother that is greater than natural love.” These powerful words were written by an Egyptian woman named Shireen, a case writer for the Hot Mommas Project.
When I first read this case, it hit home for me. And, it really caused me to think about my role as a woman and what that means to me. I began asking myself how a woman from Egypt whom I have never met can teach me about life and my role as a woman, daughter, wife, mother and hard worker. It’s because of these words that I take a moment to pause and reflect upon International Women’s Day and its significant role in my life. Women like Shireen and countless others from around the world remind me of my duty and responsibility as a young African-American woman. Their stories remind me of how women from around the world share the same complexities of life; yet approach it through different lenses. As I read Shireen’s story, I began to think about my own life and the various roles that I play. Thus, I started to ask myself what changes can I make to make this world a better place. How can I cultivate a garden of love around me so I can leave this place better than I have found it? As a result, I began shifting my day around – waking up earlier so I could have time for my inner self; spending more time with my daughters and thinking about the importance of their growth and development; thinking about ways I could support my husband in his various endeavors; and asking myself what footprint do I want leave behind in this life. All of these changes began to take shape as a result of reading Shireen and countless other women’s stories.
These stories also take me back to the lessons that my own mother, grandmothers, sisters and aunts have shared with me throughout my life. They too share the same story of devotion, love, hard work and resoluteness that Shireen speaks of. For me, International Women’s Day is not just another day but a day where I reflect upon the contribution of women from around the world and how they share their beauty, love and hard work with the world around us.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the Hot Mommas Project case competition winners later this month.
Dr. Morris
March 8, 2010
Wonderful, absolutely worderful. I am impressed! To strive to protect women and children is an imperative for they are our future. Without them there is no future.
Karima, you go girl. Your future is bright and without doubt, you will manifest greatness.
Warmest regrads,
Dr. Morris
Dedan Gills
March 8, 2010
Just like my grandmother use to say when I would complain about the injustice and evil of this world she would merely say, “Child you were born for such a time as this” Karima my dear child you have been called here and you have answered for you are surely needed in such a time as this.
Shireen Akl
March 9, 2010
Dear Karima
Your comment on my story touched my soul and enriched more and more my mind same way my story touched yours.
Thank you and thanks to the Hot Mommas Project that gave us the chance to link all together from all over the world.
Always with happiness and success and happy International Women’s Day .
Rim Siam-Country Manager- Middle East
March 9, 2010
So Nice to reflect upon the contribution of women from around the world in this special day : “International women’s Day”.
I am so happy Karima with your personal reflection on the Egyptian Woman ‘ Shireen’ one of the Middle East Delegation this year .