International Women's Day 2022
When you google any word surrounding the female experience, you're met with the same vibes; red lipstick, artwork of breasts, pink, and girl power quotes. While these vibes can capture womanhood for some, it often feels like our identities as women consistently get boiled down to appearance-based messaging. There's an expectation for us to be strict girlbosses with pink stationery and the idea that we need to reclaim our bodies and weaponize them against patriarchal standards. It feels like even now, there's a struggle around choosing to either be loud about feminity, reject it altogether, or be classy in our identities, not all of the above when or if you feel like it.
Women are intricate, highly individualized people, so why are we all still cool with putting ourselves into these neat little pink boxes in the name of feminity? In our search to create content for IWD 2022, we found ourselves having very frank conversations about what femininity means to one another; and found more often than not, that our answers were different.
We're so fortunate in our industry to work side by side, both in person and virtually, with a network of incredible women every day. So with our conversation at the top of our minds, we reached out to the inspiring women in our lives for their take on what womanhood means to them, and any advice they would give their younger selves.
Yewande Ogunleye, Events Project Manager, UBI Global
What does womanhood look like for you?
Womanhood to me is finding your true self in a world that constantly tells women what they should and shouldn't be. And then having peace in the woman you are and then living and expressing it in everything you do.
What piece of advice would you tell your younger self?
No matter what anyone thinks or says, your dreams are never too big, and the amazing woman you see yourself to be is already in you. Do be afraid to let her shine.
Diana Huynh, Entrepreneur
What does womanhood mean to you?
It means overcoming sexism that exists in society today and succeeding/attaining your goals in health and wealth despite the obstacles. It also means helping others understand their power and helping them recognize that they can also achieve their goals in life.
What piece of advice would you tell your younger self?
Embrace your power, your freedom, your sexuality, and the privilege your parents gave you by coming to this country - live it up while you have no adult responsibilities.
Caroline Kilgour, EVP Managing Director, Lifelong Crush
What does womanhood look like for you?
Hopeful, but still constrained by historical roles and incongruent modern-day constructs. There is work to be done!
Joline Matika, VP Client Success, Broken Heart Love Affair
What does womanhood look like for you?
I like quotes. This one really stuck with me and I put it on repeat when things get a little nutty. “I will never have this version of me again. Let me slow down and be with her.”
What piece of advice would you tell your younger self?
Leave your eyebrows alone.
Bev Hammond, Partner, Broken Heart Love Affair
What does womanhood look like for you?
Each new day feels like a blank canvas. The older I get the more I realize how much opportunity there is to try new things and do something different. It’s very freeing to think that I can choose what goes on that canvas every single day.
What piece of advice would you tell your younger self?
Don’t be so hard on yourself. It becomes a habit that is hard to break as you age.
Sally Lunn, Co-founder, Super Duper Studios
What does womanhood look like for you?
Whether it’s the sundresses, roses and eyelashes type or the baggy clothes, sports and short hair type, womanhood is complex, rich and full of heart. It’s the liberty to be anything you can dream of. The ability to be anything I want at any given moment.
What piece of advice would you tell your younger self?
Everything that you’ve been told is ‘wrong’ with you, is exactly what you’ll be celebrated for. Things are easier when you’re nicer to yourself. Don’t look for modern solutions from old-fashioned thinkers
Michelle Nguyen, Co-founder, Super Duper Studios
What does womanhood look like for you?
Recognizing that the cards are often stacked against you, and doing it anyway
What piece of advice would you tell your younger self?
Never dim your success for the sake of someone’s insecurity—it’s not your job to make them feel bigger than you.
Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at Super Duper!
On the hunt for a digital branding partner? Super Duper Studios is a digital branding agency in Toronto. We specialize in game-changing visual identity, websites that make sense, and double-tap-worthy social media content. Nice to meet ya! Email me at rebeca.mackinnon@itssuperduper.com and let’s chat.
