It’s been AGES since I last did a tag post. A big thank you to Ruth In Revolt for nominating me to take part in the Women Empowerment tag. After a much needed little blogging and social media break, this came at just the right time to remind me what a positive place blogosphere can be. So, what’s the tag all about?
Women Empowerment Rules
Create a Women Empowerment Tag post on your blog and answer these five questions.
- What does women empowerment mean to you?
- What woman/women do you most admire? Why?
- Share a story, drawing, or video that you think says “empowered women.”
- Share the best lesson you’ve learned in leadership.
- What cause do you most want to bring awareness to? Why? What does it mean to you?
Then tag five inspirational, powerful women to do the same.
#01 What does women empowerment mean to you?
For me, it means that women can speak, dress, and behave however they wish, without fear or favour. That we are listened to, encouraged, inspired from the very beginning. That we are not patronised, sidelined, or relegated to a preconceived idea of what a woman’s place should be. And that we are free to choose and become whoever and whatever we wish to be.
#02 What woman/women do you most admire? Why?
I think it goes without saying that my mother tops my list. But after her, I have a huge admiration for a number of medieval and Renaissance Queens. Eleanor of Aquitaine married two kings, ruled over her own domain, went on Crusade, and continued to travel across Europe well into her old age. Then we have Anne Boleyn, not of royal blood, who played a huge role in the Reformation. Her importance is often downplayed to just being Henry VIII’s mistress and Elizabeth I’s mother, but she was much more than this.
Catherine de Medici, the French Henry II’s wife, rose from Florentine merchant beginnings to rule France through her three sons. And of course, Elizabeth I, who managed to keep her head (literally) until she ascended the throne. And who then survived all assassination attempts to rule England as the first unmarried female monarch through a truly Golden Age. Last, but certainly not least, Flora, my daughter, who inspires me nearly every day.
It’s an old photograph from her 5th birthday party, but one of my favourites. All the other girls were Disney princesses, but Flora chose to be a superhero.
I’ve learned three very simple leadership lessons:
A) Listen to what you’re being told, even if it’s not spelt out in so many words.
B) Lead by example – no-one is too grand to scrub the floor or make the tea.
C) Empower your team, trust them, and delegate to them.
#05 What cause do you most want to bring awareness to? Why? What does it mean to you?
A while ago I wrote a post about wanting to do away with perjorative labels like “bossy” for women and girls, to coincide with International Women’s Day. As the mother of a super bright, kind, intelligent, and inspirational eight year old girl, I think it’s such an important issue. Does it really matter how we label women? Yes, it bloody well does matter. I don’t want to regurgitate my post (which is one of my most viewed, incidentally) but if you’re interested, here’s the link: She’s not bossy. If you do read it, I’d love to know if you agree with me?
Tagging five ladies who inspire me
I found it very hard to only choose five ladies because there are so many fabulous content creators out there whom I admire enormously. And honourable mentions must go to Ruth, Bexa and Cordelia, whom I would have nominated but they’ve already been tagged! I hope you enjoyed reading this post and if you feel like doing this tag as well, please do – let’s share the support and encourage, inspire, and empower each other 🙂
LISA these ANSWERS are so GOOD. I knew there was a reason I really liked you – besides, you know, all the other reasons – and that is your answer about medieval and renaissance queens because they are my HEROES. Eleanor and Anne are my role models in every sense of the word. And I love that photo of Flora – what amazing things that kid will go on to do, especially with you as her mother. (And thanks for the honourable mention!)
Cordelia || cordeliamoor.com
Aw, thank you so much, Cordelia! I thought you might like the Queens references, bearing in mind your recent guest post contributor 🙂 I hope you’re right about Flora, fingers crossed, and thank you so much for the vote of maternal confidence, haha! xx
Seriously love everything about this post!! Thank you SO MUCH for taking part in it!! I love that you talked about some inspirational queens from the past. I mean the obstacles they must’ve endured is beyond me!! And omg, be still my heart. Your daughter!! I just love that costume! Such a superhero. Growing up, I was always called bossy and it did more harm than good. I have come to realize my “bossiness” makes me a pretty good leader and I wouldn’t want to be any other way! We actually wrote a post about our insecurities growing up and bossiness was mine. I am attaching a link if you want to give it a read! And I am going to read and comment on your “She’s not bossy” post now!! Love this so much!! Thank you!!?
Ah, thank you so much, it was a wonderful tag to create and a lot of fun to answer too. That’s very interesting about your insecurities post, I’ll certainly head over for a read of that one as well! x
Such amazing answers, Lisa.
I particularly love that photo of Flora when she was a superhero, that’s awesome.
I’m loving seeing this tag circulate.
Aw, thank you, Laura, that’s very kind. I know Jo tagged you so I’ll look forward to reading your answers in due course too 🙂 x
Yay! I loved reading your answers, Lisa, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact Flora chose to be a superhero instead of a princess. Her costume is awesome. She’s very lucky to have a role model like you in her corner.
Thank you so much for the tag, Ruth, I really enjoyed writing this post 🙂 And for your lovely comment about Flora, that’s so kind of you! xxx
First off, thank you SO much for Including me in the tag, this is so kind of you and very much appreciated. I love your answers, I totally agree with the last one, it does matter if we label woman and that’s something that’s always annoyed me! I really agree with all the things you’ve learned as well. This has been a fab post to read and the little spark of “feel good” that I needed.
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
Thank you so much for reading and you are so very welcome! Glad you’re feeling better, and that this post may have helped you a little 🙂 xx