Women Worth Watching

International Women’s Day

By Isabelle Southcott

As I listened to Helen Reddy’s famous song, I am Woman, a song released in 1972 that later became the International Women’s Day anthem, I got goosebumps as I thought about how this feminist icon’s passionate call to action inspired a whole generation of women across the globe.

I am woman, hear me roar In numbers too big to ignore And I know too much to go back an’ pretend ‘Cause I’ve heard it all before And I’ve been down there on the floor No one’s ever gonna keep me down again.

I turned 10 in the 70s and my thoughts hadn’t yet turned to the women’s liberation movement, but my mother and many like her, had. Much time has passed since I am Woman was released in 1971, and I can’t help but feel humbled and grateful for all those who fought to liberate women.

As I scrolled through the comments beneath her song one in particular stood out. “Even I feel like a strong, independent woman after hearing this, and I am a man.”

The United Nations declared 1975 as Year of the Woman and then chose I am Woman as its theme song. Now almost half a century later, the song still rings clear and true as March 8, International Women’s Day, (IWD) approaches. IWD is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year’s theme is “Break the bias.”

In past years, we’ve had marches, gatherings, films and events in qathet to recognize IWD, but like so many other events, nothing is planned this year due to COVID. So qathet Living magazine decided to interview three interesting women who are changemakers in this community and share their stories.

- Isabelle Southcott