Happy International Women's Day! #MakeItHappen
This post has been brewing for a while. You know I enjoy walking around my area and chatting with just about anyone who returns my smile. (I know what you're thinking - there's a name for it. Ha, ha).
I meet many people. From different social statuses. There's something to learn from everyone - it can be do's or don'ts. Whatever it is, the education is enjoyable.
Today, on Women's Day, I am focusing on some women who #MakeItHappen - who seem like good friends simply by...being.
Of course, it goes without saying that my biggest inspiration is my Mom, who is the most empowered woman I know and admire. She lived by the credo "If I can recognize a problem, I can find the solution".
These women - seem to do the same.
This gorgeous lady has been a veggie vendor for years and has her spot marked. She sets up shop early in the morning after she gets her basket full at the market - just like other women veggie vendors in the area who co-exist peacefully. She sells fresh stuff and has a regularly clientele. She knows what they want and will start weighing and packing even as they approach her. She'll make suggestions, just in case they might be interested in an extra thing or two.
You'd think there'd be competition between her and the other four women vendors sitting 50 feet apart from each other. But no - they support each other.
When one of them has to go somewhere, the one nearest her minds her "shop" as well - and will also take the children, if any, under her wing, sharing her food and her space. As I said, peaceful co-existence, looking out for one another.
This lady having lunch?
She is one of the many construction workers in our area who move in groups from project to project. Her colleagues are filling in for her while she grabs a quick meal before returning to work. She was a little late getting to work as her daughter was sick.
Here's my very own flower vendor.
Happy and always has time to spare to chit chat with whoever stops by. Full of wisdom and philosophy too, with a formidable memory. Remembers anything you tell her and will inquire about it the next time she sees you. I am yet to see someone interact with her and walk away without a smile.
Here is the (S)hero to whom we owe our clean streets.
She's been on the job for more than 20 years and shows up every single morning. Early. Because the area is clean when we step out at 8 am. By the time we're out, she's done with phase 1 of her day - and sitting on the sidewalk and sipping her cup of tea from the mobile tea vendor.
This lady - oh it breaks my heart to see her - but she's not bothered with her work.
She's done it for as long as she can remember, even if she doesn't remember how old she is! Sifting lime is hard work. Not sure what else goes into it, but it is sold as rangoli powder. She takes pride in her work.
What's common with these empowered women?
They all have regular clients
They know their clients
They care - about each other and support each other
They're independent business women
They are not afraid
They speak up for themselves
They're ready to stand up for each other
They are confident
They think they're enough
They're happy
I think they're empowered women in their own right - happy, appreciating the little things and getting on with life. It is not like they don't have problems, but they tackle them with serenity as they keep the local economy buzzing. And I admire that.
Happy International Women's Day to each one of you reading this today!
International Women's Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. #MakeItHappen is the 2015 theme, encouraging effective action for advancing and recognizing women.♥
Happy to link up with Unknown Mami for Sundays In My City, a fabulous meme where we get to travel the world together by blog-hopping