Apart from their colourful outfits, every superhero is known for having a special ability or talent, which they use to protect the innocent and fight against evil and injustice. No matter what they are doing, when they hear the call of someone in need, they drop everything and take action, often risking their own lives and sacrificing their own needs. We love them for this and praise them as heroes.
But the truth is, real superheroes don’t wear colourful costumes, and instead of having a catchy name they generally go by something more ordinary – like Mom, or Ma’am, or Miss/Mrs/Ms. They perform great feats of strength and courage every day, risking their lives and sacrificing their own needs for those they care about.
Think about the women you know who have fought great battles, faced fearsome giants and overcome evil and injustice. In everyday life, these things can take many different shapes and forms – confronting prejudice and negative stereotypes, speaking up and taking action, raising a family, being a loving wife, daughter, sister or friend, caring for others, keeping the peace, protecting the vulnerable, blazing new trails, co-operating in a team … most of it doesn’t look very heroic, but it is. And it takes enormous strength!
Kindness, patience, love, understanding, vulnerability, co-operation, supportiveness – these are some of the greatest superpowers a woman can possess. They change lives, give purpose to the present and shape the future for everyone around.
Powerful women; may we see them, may we be them, may we raise them.
Written by Robyn Pitot