Written by Vanessa Mutesi
It is officially my second favorite month of the year.
The month of March marks a time when we celebrate women and highlight the importance of female empowerment. On March 8, in many places around the world, women celebrated and uplifted each other. As a woman, I usually use this time to celebrate the women who have been a part of making me into the woman I am today. I always take the time to reach out and express to each of them how they have shaped the woman who I am, and I also use that time to keep encouraging them to grow into their womanhood, as it is an inspiration to many.
This year, however, I took a different turn. I decided to take a look at myself and the woman I am panning out to be. One of things I have noticed about my generation is that we don’t take enough time to look within ourselves. We often get caught up in making plans for our goals, dreams and ambitions but we seldom take time for introspection. As much as it is important to plan for life and prepare for what is to come, it is equally important to look within ourselves. The first step to achieving our life goals is to be one with our mentality, and to achieve that, we need introspection. Our emotional and mental environment are key.
I have been fortunate to grow up around phenomenal women, who have helped shape the woman I am. In addition to that, I grew up in a country where the woman was celebrated and valued. However, I never took a look at the effects of all of this, nor took the time to think of the woman I am now. This year, I looked at me. I took the time to look at my mentality, my standpoint as a woman, and how I want to use my voice to empower other women. I feel like it is crucial for women, especially young women, to start looking at the woman they are. Think about how your growth into your womanhood is impacting your growth, and how you can also help other people. Breeding a healthy mentality of introspection will only lead to a strengthened sense of self.
