International Women's Day According to 20 Modern #YGK Moms
- Erica McIlquham
- Mar 8, 2017
- 9 min read
Happy International Women's Day!
This years theme for International Women's Day (IWD) is #BeBoldForChange and I've asked a selection of #YGK moms to share with you their thoughts on IWD, this years theme or just about being a mom in the #YGK. Some of these women are close friends and others are friends I've met via social media. For me here at The #YGK Mom it's about raising each other up, about creating that sense of community and about celebrating the diversity of motherhood. Just like our individuality as people motherhood is personal, it's unique and every journey is a little bit different.
I hope you enjoy reading about all of these #YGK mommas! Here they are (in alphabetical order), where you can find them on the internet (Instagram handles and web addresses) and their thoughts. Enjoy!
Abby McIlquham
Being a mom in Kingston has a couple meanings for me but the one that is most prominent is support. Support from close family members as well as a community of lifelong girl friends who lucky for me, are in the same phase of life, meaning we get to raise our kids together. Family members who are always ready and wanting to spend time with our kids, along with a close knit community of friends raising our second generation, provides my family with a true sense of support and community that makes the crazy years of raising young kids, that much easier and enjoyable.
Courtney Norwood
The immensely challenging, and equally rewarding, role that is thrust upon us after becoming mothers can be an all-consuming identity that leaves many new moms questioning who they are post-baby. Like most, I am not immune to the identity crisis of motherhood - the search for the new me.
I searched for the ever elusive balance. Balance between home life and world life. I am, first and foremost, a stay-at-home mom, but it's not solely who I am. It is important for me to balance my role at home while also cultivating my other identities. I am a mom, but I am also a make-up artist, and a new business owner.
As the girl behind the make-up brushes of Peach & Poppy, I get to express my creativity, and pursue my other passion...making women look and feel beautiful.
For me, #BeBoldForChange is about finding my passions, and cultivating my identities - mom and makeup artist.
Find your passion. #BeBoldForChange.
Erica McIlquham, The #YGK Mom
First of all, as the creator of this site, I have to say how overwhelmed I was by the response of everyone willing to post for today. This really speaks to me about how willing people in Kingston are to collaborate and to connect. Originally when I had envisioned this post I had expected 5-10 responses..MAX.. but 20!? WOW!
In the past, I have always tried to do something meaningful to celebrate International Women's Day but this year, my first year as a mother, I am reflecting on how (for me) it is more important than ever to show my daughter and others the value that women bring to our world. In Canada, women make up more than 50% of the population. I once saw a speaker that said that any "work" that we do now (from a diversity perspective) the impacts will not be shown for almost 10 years after. (WTF?!) This is why we need to #BeBoldForChange. If we are more bold in our actions, in our intentions and with our passions maybe we can shorten that gap? Let's do this.
Jennifer Lynne, Freelance Makeup Artist & Beauty Blogger
A fight for gender equality. A celebration of amazing women and their achievements. On days like International Women's Day,I'm reminded of why being a mom here in the YGK is so incredible. The amount of amazing ladies I'm blessed to be surrounded by is fantastic. This community of moms is made up of women who all want what is best for their children. Women who are working hard to instill compassion and empathy in their little ones. Who are passionate and promote positivity and equality.
All while owing businesses or working multiple jobs. Pushing to be successful. We encourage each other. All of us wanting success, not just for ourselves but for one and other. These women understand the hard work and challenges that are often coupled with being a mom. Rather than tearing each other down, these women strive to lift you up. This type of support makes being a mom here so incredible.
Jessica Lowry
Even in the most impoverished and oppressed places in the world, places where men hold all the “power” in society, women still raise the next generation. Within this lies the true power. We hold the ability to bear life and shape their views, and that has the power to change our world. By uplifting and supporting each other we give every woman the ability to access that power.
Jessica Palmer
The strongest women I know are those who build others up rather than tear them down, regardless of their differences. It exhibits a heart of humility, confidence, love and understanding. To me, International Women's Day is about standing together and offering each other encouragement and support - as mothers, partners, colleagues, friends, activists - within the many roles we women take on. My hope is that we can all strive to be the ones who aren't afraid to stand up for what is right, who are able to share our thoughts and feelings despite the fear of being judged, and who choose to rejoice and bring positivity to all women around us.
Kaley Crosson
International Womans Day means celebrating woman all over the globe for who we are, how far we have come & the achievements we accomplish big or small everyday! I celebrate moms for our endless love, our feelings of overwhelming stress & questioning ourselves on a daily bases "are we doing it right?" I celebrate being a wife, for the endless love, support & respect my husband has for me, I have for him & our ability to be a team. I celebrate woman in business, entrepreneurs & artists it is hard, it is so hard I feel you! We fail, we achieve, we are passionate & our successes far outweigh our failures. I celebrate all woman, we are powerful, we are strong, we are love & we are beautiful.
Katie Donovan
The sky’s the limit. Here’s to strong women; may we know them, may we be them, and may we raise them!
Kelly McFarland. Writer/Blogger
Celebrating International Women’s Day is something that I want to broadcast everyday. I want it to be clear to my sons that women are smart and able and strong. I want to be able to ask my boys, “what is the difference between boys and girls”, and I hope they answer, “Nothing Mommy”. It is my boys that make me want to be a stronger, more proud woman. It is because of them that I now feel how powerful I really can be. If not for myself, this crusade of motherhood is what makes me. Celebrate International Women’s Day with a vengeance.
Laura Kaminer, Owner of YGK Studios
Being bold for change; more specifically as a YGK mother in 2017 means many things to me. Raising a young boy, it is critical to show my son what it looks like for his mother to live up to her core values, to follow her passion, take the risk, and push the boundaries; especially when faced with moments of vulnerability. It is equally important to set an example in terms of what it means to develop and cultivate a community of women TRULY lifting each other up. We teach the principle of respect by our actions in how we treat other people. Change can be awkward and uncomfortable at times, but the only way to make change is to move through these transitions and choosing a perspective of strength and hope. In my opinion, it's the choices made when working through adversity when the magic really happens.
Laura McCloy
Being a Mom is hands down the most challenging and rewarding journey of my life. Raising girls to be confident and who strive to achieve their dreams is something I hold close to my heart. Among all the social pressures and negativity they will encounter, my goal is to prepare them with resilience. To me, IWD is a day in which we get to embrace who we are and celebrate our successes!
Lindsay Down
I love being a mom and an entrepreneur in #YGK. Our community is filled with amazing women who lift each other up when they need it most. Through events like 'She Creates', we are able to showcase the many talented artisans and entrepreneurs in our community.
Lisa Sykes
Motherhood links us to something bigger than just our babies; it's a connection to our mothers, grandmothers, and all those who came before. But while our ancestors didn't have wonder weeks, library storytime (yay for that @KFPL) and monthly milestones, they also didn't have purée pouches, Nose Frida, or running strollers. Better? Worse? Who cares. Support each other and see motherhood for what it is: hard. Messy. The best.
Liz Wing, Owner & Stylist, The Loft Kingston (@theloft_kingston)
I am so proud to be a woman in this thriving city of Kingston. There was a time that I doubted what I was capable of living here in this small city but Kingston woman have proven that there are no limits to the potential for success here. Whether you are a stay at home mom, a business woman, both or anything in between, there is room for us all to stand out. Women in Kingston are a force to be reckoned with and I'm proud to be a part of that force. Every time I blink my eyes a woman I know has started a new business or created a new idea for our amazing town. Go ladies go!
Melissa Yakaback
As a momma to a sweet girl, #BeBoldForChange strikes a very real and emotional cord for me for this years International Women’s Day. My daughter is and will be looking up to me for guidance and knowledge about what the future will hold for her and I want her to know that she can imagine her life as big and as vibrant as humanly possible. She can be anything she wants to be, learn anything she wants to learn, and know that she is worth the whole world. My hope is that she will grow up in a world of positivity, hope, equality and love and I know now more than ever that it starts with me and all of the other amazing women in this world.
Natalie George, Owner of Go Green Baby
Each day as a female entrepreneur is a testament to the strength, power and commitment of women from the past and women of today. Running a business with four children is challenging and all absorbing. Moments have been stolen from my children in an effort to build a healthy and safe future for all children. Staying true to my values and beliefs has never been more important - for our family, our community and our planet. Be bold, be brave and be strong and in turn you will be the change.
Rachel Stephenson, Lawyer at Viner Kennedy
I can't say that international women's day specifically has a meaning for me. What I can say is that I am trying to raise a little girl who doesn't know what it feels like to be told "you can't do that because you are a girl" while at the same time teaching her that being a female is a positive and strong trait. I want her to live her life without concern for whether something is too girly or not girly enough. To be proud to be a girl. I want her to not be afraid to travel or be out at night or pursue a career in whatever field she chooses. I want that for all girls and women.
Tara McCallan, Founder of Happy Soul Project
On IWD I'm reminded of all the women who paved the way before me. Be that in equality, the workforce, motherhood or fighting for inclusion for people like my daughter. I'm humbled by what they've accomplished & proudly & loudly continue the fight. I'm honoured to be a woman who ignites change within my community & fights for a more inclusive world. #BeBoldForChange
Tessa Scott
There is nothing in my life that has made me feel like more of a woman than becoming a mother did. I am a less rested, harder worked version of myself, yet I feel a strength that I never had before. This strength largely comes from a unity I feel with other women. Women who live in Kingston (or across the world), who are always looking out for one another and for one another's children. A community is built by mothers, and it relies on them to raise kind and progressive children who will positively impact its future generations. It is a role I am grateful to fill, in a community of women that I am lucky to be a part of.
Whitney Noble
As a mother of boys, I'm constantly aware that my actions will shape how the next generation of men view women. A clear understanding of equality and consent, an appreciation for the differences that exist, and a heart of kindness and generosity are what, I feel, will bring about change in the world, and what I try to instill in my boys. And with a little lady on the way, I can't wait to watch her grow and flourish alongside her brothers, growing and enjoying equal opportunities together. #BeBoldForChange
(photo credit @withloveandwildphotography)
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