By Martha Awinoh

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A day set aside to honour what’s good and beautiful in our society.

What does it mean to be a woman in the part of the world and society you live in

The positive: Today there is not as much pressure to perform the domestic chores as our mothers faced during their days.  I do not have tonnes of domestic responsibility to shoulder from dusk to dawn to prove that I am a woman. Today, we have house managers who help us with house chores and greater independence to choose how to organize our households. In relation to my husband, lm not under the same pressure to deliver on livelihoods for the family as he is.

The negative: Subtle but immense pressure to equal and even surpass my husband in my contribution to the family income while balancing with ease my traditional reproductive role of running the household with excellence. I am still expected to present a well poised, fit, elegant, knowledgeable, pleasant, gentle, attractive, balanced, and humble woman…. the list is endless.

Which woman in the Bible inspire you? How can you relate her character in today’s challenges faced by women within your local community, and globe?

Queen Esther. She somehow managed well that delicate balance of being submissive (to her uncle and husband, the king) and at the same time wield through her relationship with each of the great authority and influence to accomplish much good for others glorifying God.

What woman’s themes are impacting you most greatly in your home or work?

Nurturer. This is so special and unique to me, as it symbolizes the special gift God endowed on the woman to breastfeed as well as be the one to carry the baby in the first nine months of their life in her womb! Women give life. There could be no greater or nobler task we could ask of God, He freely granted us without us even asking! God’s Amazing Grace.

Happy International Women’s Day.