Tuesday, April 17, 2007

What is a "Real" Woman?

It's my birthday today and being a young 42, I think it's a good time to reflect on what makes a "real" woman. What would make me feel like a "real" woman?
I keep seeing "real" women being defined by size. Being a size 16, 18 or 20 doesn't make me more real. If it did, would a size 2 or 28 woman be less real? What about the women who are even smaller or larger than those sizes? I know that when those terms are used, the intention is to sound more inclusive. I see it once again separating us as women - making a line to determine who rates and who doesn't.
When I think of "real" women, I think of women who are strong, independent, good mothers, good daughters, hard workers. Women who volunteer their time to a cause and donate money to charity. Women who speak out about injustice and continue to stand up even when it's scary. Having said that, let's also remember that a women who doesn't fit into any of those categories is just as real, just as valid, just as worthy as each of us deserves to know we are!
Let's stand together and celebrate our sameness, our uniqueness and our differences - as "REAL" women!