Dear Girl: What I Want You to Know on International Women’s Day

Dear Girl,

Happy International Women’s Day, my beautiful double X-chromosoned baby. You are so lucky to be a part of our world’s brave, powerful tribe called Female. Women are awesome. And when we band together we’re even more awesome. That’s our biggest strength. Our superpower. And something I hope you carry with you as you grow-up and learn to navigate the twists and turns of your life.

More Than a Moment in Time

These times are special. They hold a lot of weight. They are trying, yet they are inspiring. I’m certain these are the years you will read about in your high school history books. You see, you came into the world the same day our country got a new President. And on the very second day of your life, as we were getting to know each other in the sacred bubble of our quiet hospital room, millions of women were marching around the world to band their voices together against inequality of all forms. 13 months later, how loud this united voice is. How much louder it will be when you start to develop your own sense of womanhood.

Let Yourself be Emboldened

So, today on International Women’s Day, I want you to know the power that the brave act of one girl, supporting another girl can hold. It won’t be easy. Life is designed to make us uncomfortable. It can shake our confidence. It can make us jealous and competitive; spiteful and angry. But when we choose kindness and empathy over selfishness by standing up for a friend in need, being there for someone during a hard time, advocating for a colleague, praising someone’s successes, or speaking the truth no matter how scary it might feel, that’s when our voice grows stronger. It’s what unleashes our superpower.

Find the Value in the Voice

How lucky you are to have a whole lifetime ahead of you to fill with smart, confident, courageous women. Surround yourself with this united voice. At school, on the playground, at work, and when you become a mother yourself. These female friendships are sacred. Don’t take them for granted, but let them nourish your sense of purpose. The women in your life – the ones that feel like sisters – will carry you through the highs and lows that you may be destined to face. With strong women by your side, you will never be alone. You will do amazing things and you will find your own brave voice.

Dear Girl, happy International Women’s Day to you. How lucky we are to follow in the footsteps of the world’s extraordinary women, stand alongside them, and create our own way forward together.

How are you honoring women today? What do you want girls today to know on International Women’s Day? We’d love to hear!