To be a woman is to be wise, tenacious, beautiful, powerful, creative, love. Our planet and our species would have been annihilated long ago without the unshakable faith and love of women. October is Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Survivors are warriors. In honor of courageous women who battle violence in their homes and relationships, and those who fight breast cancer, this blog celebrates Warrior Women past and present.
As I studied Warrior Women in history I was amazed and appalled. Amazed at the strength and courage of women across cultures throughout time. Appalled that women have been subjugated and objectified for centuries, and that misogyny still exists despite our strides in the fight for equality. When will we evolve?
How far have women come? Not far enough. Equality Now reports sex trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise with 20.9 million adults and children bought and sold into sex slavery, forced labor and bonded labor globally. 98% of sex trafficking victims are women and girls. Poverty and gender discrimination make women vulnerable to this horrible human rights violation. Sex slavery cannot exist in a world where women are valued as equal to men.
But even if men do not value women, know YOUR power, and YOUR worth! Here are some facts about Warrior Women present:
WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE
According to U.S. News, women in the workforce are just as likely to be doctors and lawyers as secretaries and teachers, and make up 56 percent of workers in the 20 lowest paid jobs and just 29 percent of those in the highest paid jobs with black and hispanic women earning the least. And our world suffers because of sexism and gender discrimination. Research proves that sexism prevents the best use of the innovation, talent and skills of women. The same skills women develop as managers of families and households are effective in managing small businesses, corporations and governments. So men, help out with the household and care of your children, so women can rise and reach their potential.
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
According to World Bank women entrepreneurs contribute $3 trillion to the economy and are directly responsible for 23 million jobs. Yet women continue to struggle with capital, strict social constraints, and limited time and skill. As a woman entrepreneur, struggling to overcome sexist limitations that were programmed into me, I have first-hand experience with these challenges. But, being the Warrior Woman that I am, I break down every barrier placed in front of my goals, even my own limiting beliefs. A woman can do anything she puts her mind to. And she is more than a secretary, sex object, and maid.
WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT
According to the United Nations, globally the number of women in government varies from 15.7 per cent in Pacific to 41.1 percent in Nordic Countries. Surprisingly the Middle East and North Africa have 17.1 percent of women holding leadership positions in government, not that far behind the Americas, with 25.5 percent. Not surprisingly, the UN reports that women's representation in local governments increases projects and services that improve the quality of life and well-being of the people they serve.
There is nothing new under the sun, and there is certainly nothing new about powerful women. In 1497 BC Hatshepsut became Pharaoh of Egypt and built the Deir el-Bahari, one of the wonders of the world as well as other amazing architectural projects. It is reported that Hatshetpsut changed her appearance to look like a man to be accepted as Pharoah, and like many Warrior Women her legacy was erased from history as if she didn't exist.
One of my favorite Warrior Women is Umm Hakim, an Iberian slave turned warrior who helped conquer Spain alongside Tariq Bin Ziyad in 711 AD. She is one of the inspirations for Ashira, the protagonist in my novel, Warrior of Love.
In 1900 Yaa Asantewaa led the War of the Golden Stool in Britain. A successful farmer, mother, intellectual, politician, human rights activist, queen and leader, Asantewaa is known as one of the greatest African women. Like modern Warrior Women, Asantewaa could do it all, and she did it well.
There have been Warrior Women in all walks of life: Coco Chanel challenged sexism in and revolutionized fashion. Zora Neal Hurston challenged sexism and racism through her literary skills. And a modern day Warrior Woman, Malala Yousafzai challenged sexism in education in the Middle East.
While Warrior Women in history conquered nations and changed our world, EVERY woman is a warrior. Their heroic acts of bravery made history, but they are no different than you. What have you conquered? They are our ancestors and the same tenacity and strength is encoded in our DNA. Wake it up! I hope their stories inspired you to discover your inner power. You can conquer anything!
Read more inspiring stories of Warrior Women at ancientorigins.net.