From the moment we are born, society begins to carve out our roles. Little girls are handed dolls, kitchen sets, and pink clothes—symbolic cues that whisper, This is what you are meant to be. By the time we grow up, many of us have instinctively embraced the role of caretakers, nurturers, and problem-solvers, often without question. We organise, we manage, we hold it all together. We care for children, partners, aging parents, our friends, and even colleagues, with an almost subconscious expectation that it is simply part of being a woman.

And yet, in the midst of all this, who cares for us?

The Physical Strength of Women: The Unseen Labour We Carry

For generations, women have been the backbone of households and communities. Historically, our roles have revolved around feeding, tending, nurturing, and making sure everyone else is okay before we even think about ourselves. Even today, despite changing times, these expectations remain deeply ingrained.

From the never-ending laundry pile to the invisible mental list of who needs what and when, women juggle the responsibilities of running a household and raising children while often also holding down a career. And if a woman dares to express exhaustion? She’s told to “stop complaining” or reminded to “be grateful” for her family.

But let’s be clear: This kind of physical endurance—the ability to function on little sleep, to keep going despite aches and exhaustion, to multitask like a CEO of life itself—is nothing short of incredible strength. Even today, despite changing times, these expectations remain deeply ingrained.

The Emotional Strength of Women: The Weight of Expectations

As if the physical labour weren’t enough, modern women are also expected to excel—in careers, in personal relationships, and in appearance. We should look polished, stay in shape, keep up with the latest trends, and somehow also have a side hustle or two. Meanwhile, we’re expected to keep a sunny disposition, because heaven forbid a woman should appear too stressed, too tired, or too overwhelmed.

The truth is, the demands placed on women today are greater than ever. We are told we can have it all, but the fine print often reads: as long as you don’t falter, don’t complain, and don’t let it show. The emotional load women carry is a balancing act of expectations—an unspoken contract to hold it all together while making it look effortless.

The Role of the Modern Woman: The Silent Revolution

Despite all of this, women continue to rise. We are redefining what it means to be strong. We are breaking cycles, unlearning unhealthy conditioning, and daring to demand more for ourselves. The modern woman is no longer just a caretaker—she is also a leader, an innovator, and a changemaker.

And that is why International Women’s Day is not just a celebration—it is a reminder. A reminder that women’s strength is not just in their ability to endure, but in their ability to rise, to evolve, and to claim their own time, space, and identity.

Self-Care: A Necessity, Not A Luxury

If there’s one thing women need to embrace more, it is this: Caring for yourself is not selfish. It is survival.

Your strength—both physical and emotional—is what keeps your world moving, but it needs to be nurtured, too. Take the time to honour yourself, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day. Prioritise your well-being, your health, your beauty from within. Whether it’s through mindful eating, movement, skincare, or supplements that support your vitality, self-care is an act of self-respect.

Because strength is not just about pushing through—it is also about knowing when to pause, breathe, and recharge.

Celebrating The Strength of Women

This International Women’s Day, and beyond, let’s redefine femininity as the powerful force that it truly is. Women are strong, not in spite of their emotions, their responsibilities, or their challenges, but because of them.

As Diane Mariechild so beautifully put it:

"A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform."

So, here’s to you—the women who do it all, who hold families together, who rise every morning and take on the world. You are seen, you are celebrated, and you are extraordinary.

Happy International Women’s Day. ❤️