International Women’s Day 2019

Better the balance, better the world. #BalanceforBetter

This is the theme of International Women’s Day 2019 – building a gender balanced world. It is a day to reflect on all the progress made by women, and to celebrate the difference that women have made to the world.

The campaign theme runs for the whole year and there are lots of ways to get involved.

For me, IWD is a day to reflect on all the brave and strong women that I have known and worked with over the years. It is also a time to reflect on my own strength and courage and how they have helped me to overcome past adversities.

Phenomenal Woman

by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

IWD Photo Competition

This year, IWD have launched their first IWD Photo Competition, which will run for the whole month of March 2019. The aim is to celebrate the diversity of women, challenging stereotypes and reflecting the varied and vibrant roles that women can play in our communities.

You can enter the International Women’s Day 2019 Photo Competition here. The closing date is 31st March 2019.

Positive Reflections

I’ve always loved taking photos of amazing women, and have run my Positive Reflections workshops and individual sessions for the past few years. Through counselling, I’ve been so lucky to work with incredible women. I have been amazed at how many have faced such difficult times in their lives and have found the courage and resilience to thrive.

Contact me

If you’re going through difficult times, don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out how we can work together to help you find the strength that you already have.

Important information

I have:

• a current enhanced DBS check,
• safeguarding training for children and vulnerable adults,
• BACP Accredited Counsellor/ Psychotherapist – MBACP(Accred),
• MA Arts Practice (Art, Health and Wellbeing), PGCE.