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- Celebrating Womanhood: Within and Around You
Hello! Welcome to another edition of the ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to better mental well-being—one newsletter at a time. This week, we celebrate International Women’s Day by reflecting on the beauty, strength, and resilience of womanhood—both within ourselves and in the women around us. Whether you identify as a woman or want to honour the women in your life, this is a moment to recognise, uplift, and celebrate.
If you enjoy reading this, share the newsletter with your loved ones via WhatsApp to brighten their 2025 🙂 💌
One relevant recommendation:
Go Beyond Tokenism: Build Everyday Support for Women
True support for women in everyday life moves beyond social media posts and one-time gestures. Advocate for equal opportunities, call out bias in conversations, and ensure women have a seat at the table—whether at work, home, or within communities. This could mean redistributing household responsibilities equitably, championing women’s leadership at work, or simply listening without dismissing their experiences.
Two Quotes on the Power of Women:
Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Meta and author of Lean In, on real empowerment:
"We compromise our career goals to make room for partners and children who may not even exist yet. We lower our expectations of what we can achieve. Don’t leave before you leave."
Caroline Criado Perez, author of Invisible Women, on structural inequalities:
"The gender data gap is not just about silence. It’s about the absence of women’s experiences, perspectives, and bodies from the data that shapes our world. And if we are not counted, we quite literally do not count."
Three TherapyShorts from TST
Honoring Your Own Womanhood: Womanhood is diverse and deeply personal. Whether it’s reclaiming softness, challenging gender norms, or breaking generational patterns, there is no ‘right’ way to be a woman. Reflect on what aspects of womanhood you want to embrace, redefine (especially in collectivist cultures), or celebrate in your journey.
Creating Meaningful Support for Other Women: Supporting women isn’t just about celebration—it’s about action. Advocate for the women in your life by amplifying their voices, challenging stereotypes, and ensuring they are seen and heard. Ask yourself: Are there expectations that are placed only on women? Where have I/people (including women) around me learnt them? How can I actively uplift and stand by the women around me in tangible ways and restructure/challenge some of these expectations?
Setting Boundaries and Prioritising Your Well-being: Many women, across cultures, are taught to prioritise others before themselves. This Women’s Day, remind yourself that self-care is a necessity, not a luxury. Saying no, asking for help, and taking time for yourself are all acts of self-preservation. If you find setting boundaries difficult, start small: Practice saying no to something that doesn’t serve you this week.
A QUESTION?
What is the most meaningful way to support women? Vote here!
Last week, we asked you what stops you from forgiving yourself, and the responses were… (drumroll please)…
Love and light,
The Social Therapist
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