I cannot but think of the gloriously outspoken and eminently articulate Clare Daly on the occasion of International Women’s Day (IWD) last March 8. (It is actually not just a day but a worldwide movement highlighted with events and activities during the month of March.).
In the United Nation’s website, it says — “Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe.”
It is said to have begun in New York City when female textile workers marched in protest of unfair working conditions and unequal rights for women – one of the first organized strikes by working women. As stated also in the United Nation’s website … “The first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on 28 February. The Socialist Party of America designated this day in honour of the 1908 garment workers’ strike, where women protested against working conditions.
An interesting “Did you know” trivia (which is not really trivial) in the UN website also is this…”International Women’s Day celebrated on March 8th is strongly linked to the women’s movements during the Russian Revolution (1917). Hmm! Definitely something to research on further. Women’s movement during the Russian Revolution? This is new to me.
CLARE DALY AND IWD
If you have watched and listened to her online, you will undoubtedly know why Clare Daly comes to mind with the celebration of IWD. Clare Daly is an Irish politician and Member of the European Parliament from Ireland for the Dublin constituency for almost 5 years now. She is considered as an independent socialist by many people – a human being after my own heart. A perfect living embodiment of the exceptional strides that women have made in speaking up for what they stand for. In her case, she speaks out mainly against the disaster in Gaza and the funding and supplying of weapons to wars – both to Ukraine and Israel.
You may want to check out the numerous videos online of her in European Parliament and also of a 4 minute or so video with her and Yanis Varoufakis of Greece posted over 3 weeks ago. Varoufakis is a Greek economist and politician, founder of a pan-European political party in 2016, and was tasked by the government of Greece to negotiate in behalf of the Greek government during the 2009 to 2018 Greek government debt crisis. Interesting exchange of the shared views in that video.
Speaking of strong women — On the lighter side, I must mention the newest Korean drama series on Netflix now – STRONG GIRL NAM-SOON. A thoroughly delightful and engaging series it is. Kang Nam-Soon, the lead character, has extraordinary superhuman strength just like her mother and grandmother. A Korean Wonder Women, so to speak. It feels like a Marvel super hero extended movie with a Korean touch. I really enjoy how humorously campy and quirky the whole drama is presented.
STRONG GIRL NAM-SOON is sort of like a sequel or off shoot of the JTBC 2017 kdrama series STRONG GIRL BONG-SOON, which, I understand, was a big hit in the Asian scene. In fact, Park Hyung-Sik (who is such a cutie) and Park Bo-Young, the lead male and female roles respectively, of STBS had a very brief cameo appearance and scene in STNM. As far as I know, the lead character Nam-Soon is supposed to be the cousin of Bong-Soon, if you follow the script.
I really like this drama. You may enjoy watching it too. It washes away the grimness and darkness of what’s constantly in the news these days. At least, for a while. A respite now and then is most welcome. Something to lighten the heart and keep one sane.
These strong women also remind me of the intrepid Mulan in the Disney animation, a character which does have a sliver of historical basis in Chinese culture and history. I likewise notice that many of the newer Chinese and Korean historical and period dramas feature strong women characters as well. And with state-of-the-art level of martial arts skills at that. The C drama of top Chinese star, Dilraba Dilmurat, THE LONG BALLAD, is foremost in my list. Dilraba Dilmurat may sound like a strange name for a Chinese person (and she looks Middle Eastern actually) ;but you must remember that China has many diverse ethnic groups within its borders. Dilraba is from Xinjiang and belongs to the Uygur people who are one of many ethnic minority groups in northwest China.
TAKE NOTE:
China has an area of nearly 9.6 million square kilometers and is the 3rd largest country by total land area. According to Wikipedia, …”Xinjiang , an autonomous territory in northwest China, is a vast region of deserts and mountains. It is home to many ethnic minority groups, including the Turkic Uyghur people. The ancient Silk Road trade route linking China and the Middle East passed through Xinjiang, a legacy that can be seen in the traditional open-air bazaars of its oasis cities, Hotan and Kashgar.”
I can think of many other noteworthy outstanding strong women, factual or fictional, but it would take me hours to mention them or delve into the merits of their lives. Suffice it to say, that it is inspiring to look up to some of these women who have made a difference in their lives and the lives of others.
Even our very own Jose Rizal, the Philippines National Hero, acknowledged and reveled in the importance of women and their pivotal role in the building of a nation in his “Letter to the Women of Malolos”.
On a final note though, I believe that being a right human being is paramount, no matter what gender you consider yourself to be.
Tessie O. Taylor