As we reflect on International Women’s Day, I can’t help but express an unpopular opinion. While the day is meant to honor and celebrate women, it seems to have deviated into something else entirely.
Amid the festivities, I can’t ignore the uncomfortable truth: much of the discourse surrounding women’s empowerment has become a marketing ploy. What was once a day of recognition has morphed into a battleground of comparison and competition among women themselves.
From my own experiences, I’ve witnessed firsthand the way women often treat each other. It’s not always supportive or empowering. It can be downright toxic.
I remember as a young girl wishing I were a boy simply because of the ease with which boys accepted new friends compared to the cliques and judgments prevalent among girls. And sadly, this dynamic hasn’t changed much as I’ve grown older. The gossip, the backstabbing, the subtle judgments—these behaviors persist into adulthood, infiltrating our workplaces, social circles, and even our minds.
Even in supposedly women-centric environments, I’ve encountered instances where women undermine each other, perpetuating stereotypes and biases that hold us all back.
It’s disheartening to see how easily we fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to one another, measuring our worth based on arbitrary standards set by society. And in this endless cycle of comparison, we lose sight of the real goal: unity and progress for all women.
I’m guilty of succumbing to these tendencies myself, but I’m making a conscious effort to break free from this destructive pattern.
True empowerment isn’t about tearing each other down in a bid to climb the proverbial ladder. It’s about lifting each other, amplifying each other’s voices, and creating a world where every woman feels seen, heard, and valued.
So let’s use this International Women’s Day not just as a moment to showcase our achievements, but as a catalyst for meaningful change. Let’s commit to supporting one another, challenging the status quo, and building a future where women of all backgrounds can thrive.
Because when we come together in genuine solidarity, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish. And that’s a celebration worth having.
So on this International Women’s Day, let’s pledge to support, uplift, and empower each other—because when women come together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
