Guest Editorial

International Women’s Day, 08 March 2023

Resilient and Empowered: The Unstoppable Force of Women’s Spirit

Tribute to an intrepid and incredible mother

Resilient and Empowered: The Unstoppable Force of Women’s Spirit

I share this experience not just to honour my mother but also to celebrate the strength and resilience of all women.

Growing up, my mother was an incredible role model for me and my sisters. She taught us how to be strong, without really preaching about it. She just lived her life in a way that inspired us.

My mom was a total rock star. She worked as a nurse and raised three girls by herself because my dad lived far away. She’d get up early, cook us breakfast, and even chop wood for the fire on chilly mornings.

And get this, she was also a handywoman. I remember watching her fix leaky pipes with a wrench like it was nothing. But that’s not all, she would then change into her nursing uniform and head off to work at the hospital, where she’d deliver babies and come home with the most amazing stories. Even when working night shifts, she’d always return home with a grin on her face.

She had her own unique sense of style; she’d show up to school meetings rocking a pixie haircut, biker jacket, and skirt. This woman is truly my ultimate role model for living life to the fullest.

My mom never hesitated to share the difficulties she encountered, but she presented them in a way that was easy for us kids to grasp. We got a real taste of life instead of living in a bubble all the time.

Growing up was not ordinary for us, we lived in the mountains that separate two countries. A troubled region they call it. We are no strangers to violence and bloodshed. I experienced lockdown, decades before COVID, due to the tension in the region.

But you know what’s amazing? The women! Despite the challenging context that prevailed there, the women emerged as strong and empowered agents of change. They’ve played significant roles in the struggle for peace and justice in the region. I’ve seen my mother join the women’s march for peace, protest against injustice, and fight for human rights. Through it all, she showed us that even in the toughest of times, we could make a difference and fight for what’s right.

My mother played a crucial role in shaping my worldview. She never believed in traditional gender roles. She never once said something like, “That’s a man’s job!” Instead, she encouraged us to be whomever we wanted to be. I don’t think she even knew what feminism was, but she didn’t need to.

I also had the privilege of witnessing her incredible strength and resilience. Despite battling cancer, she never lost sight of her own values and continued to live life on her own terms until the very end. Her unwavering faith and determination were truly inspiring. Through her, I gained a deep appreciation for gender equality and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Fast forward to today, I am grateful to be part of a hospital community where I am surrounded by extraordinary women who have taught me that strength takes many forms. Their stories of perseverance and determination have been a constant source of inspiration to me. For instance, one nurse made a tough decision to leave her 1-year-old daughter with her parents in Kerala to secure a better future for her child. I witness women managers and doctors shattering stereotypes, leading their teams effectively, and heading their respective departments with finesse. I have seen single parents seamlessly juggle work and home responsibilities. Many young women stand up to societal pressure for marriage and choose to pursue their careers. Other women continue contributing to the organization, defying the notion that retirement age defines their capabilities. Even when faced with personal challenges, many women show up to work every day, giving their best selves.

In my life journey, I have been fortunate to encounter remarkable female role models who have shattered the confines of traditional gender roles. They refuse to be constrained by societal expectations and have lived their lives on their own terms, without limiting themselves based on their gender.

Every day, let’s honor and uplift individuals who identify as women, including those who are learning to do so, as well as those who identify as non-binary or gender non-conforming but feel a connection to womanhood. Proud to be a woman.

Chan-Vashum

Chan Vashum

Service Excellence, Learning & Development

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