March 8

Today marks not just International Women’s Day, but also the birth of my eldest daughter. She chose March 8 to make her grand entrance, a week overdue, as if aligning her arrival with the moon and this significant day.

Before her birth, International Women’s Day was just another date on the calendar for me. I didn’t give it much thought, which I now realize was due to my own ignorance. But four years ago, that changed. Four years with my daughter have taught me more than I could have ever learned on my own. She’s been my little teacher in so many unexpected ways.

I often say that everything we know – speaking, writing, the basic skills of life – are thanks to teachers. But it goes beyond that. Many of us owe our learning and growth to the women in our lives. Women teach us, nurture us, and shape us. And it’s not just about skills or knowledge; it’s about the fundamental experiences they guide us through.

In my debut book, I reflect on the lessons I learned from my father, which were in many ways shaped by his elder sister, Wafak. I often think about my Amti Wafak, an amazing woman. She led a challenging life but was always steadfast in her strength, perseverance, optimism, and even tough love. She was a remarkable human being, so caring and loving, never complaining about anything in life. She features in my book as she never left my father’s side, sitting beside him as he gradually slipped away to another place.

Being a woman is a unique journey. Every woman, from the moment she’s born, as a girl, a teenager, and through the stages of womanhood, faces endless challenges and responsibilities. They navigate a world of high expectations and yet, do so with strength, intelligence, and empathy.

On this International Women’s Day, I find myself especially grateful for the women who’ve been part of my life – for their wisdom, their resilience, their caring, and their understanding. My daughter, in her young life, has already added so much to this list of lessons.

To all the women out there – thank you for your endless contributions, both big and small, seen and unseen. Your impact is immeasurable, and today, I join in celebrating you.

Mathew.