Lucille Cachia

Well, well, well…from where to start? Oh yes… let’s start by exploring where women’s needs arise from, if there is such a thing at all. As we celebrated women’s day on the 8th of March, I could not help but ponder why is such a day still necessary to celebrate in 2022. Allow me to explain and stand my ground. As a woman, I am all for rights, equality, fairness and justice regardless of gender and embracing any form of diversity. However, what is exactly celebrated on women’s day? It supposedly is a day to celebrate women’s achievements and gender equality. While I appreciate the former, I feel uneasy about the latter, which takes me back to the initial point of exploring where women’s needs arise from.

Some needs do arise out of necessity and can be considered as natural such as the need for fundamental essentials like food, shelter and safety. Other needs however, are socially constructed such as the need for flexible hours, career breaks, inclusion and equal pay. They are socially constructed because the system is for some reason still assuming that women are the ones who will prioritise the household. The ones who will prioritise the rearing of children. The ones who will prioritise care providing. The ones who will do so beyond any limit, as need arises, and no matter at which cost. Regretfully I feel that we (women) are partially responsible for this and if you’re wondering why, the answer is simple - because we still do! Truth is, it’s not women who need any of this BUT any individual who contributes to life does.

Now again, allow me to explain. I admire and respect the women who manage to paddle through life happenings, work, hobbies and family duties all at once. May you be granted with all the strength you need to continue doing so if you must. But… is there really the need to stretch ourselves this far? Perhaps the inclination to do so comes naturally to some. Some are even referred to as “superwomen” or “supermums” - a title which we seem to carry with pride, while perhaps failing to acknowledge that, that same title is failing us miserably. Perhaps we fail to acknowledge this failure because we don’t know otherwise, or perhaps because we do know, but it’s somewhat painful to acknowledge. I find it fascinating and equally contradictory in concept to know we can do so much, yet at the same time to fail to see our own strength.

This is why some of the below might perhaps be a few of the things which women might need. Women need a break. A break from society’s expectations. They need to breathe their individuality and embrace the goodness of life perhaps even with some good food and without concerns about losing shape. Women need to look good and feel good because they deserve so. They need the freedom to express their individuality without fear while embracing change. Women need money. Not anybody’s - just their own because everybody does! It’s not only about what women need. It’s also about what society needs in order to #breakthebias. Society needs women who are leading by example and it also needs successful women to nurture values and foster growth.

Perhaps women have not fought for women’s rights, but rather for their individual rights from which they have been deprived through social constructs. Rights which should be there for everyone - not just women.

Yours,

Lucille Cachia