I don't really remember the first time I realized what being a woman meant or what gender was, but I do remember the first time someone sang "I am Woman," by Helen Reddy.
I don't know how the topic came up or what we were even talking about but I can recall that it had something to do with women being capable of doing anything, and my mom started to belt out the lyrics.
I'm pretty sure I was a teen or preteen and remember thinking she was nuts, as all teenage daughters do in regards to their mothers.
She said," You've never heard that song..." as if she forgot that she gave birth to me in the 80's. She then proceeded to tell me who sang it and how it helped empower women. At the time of its release, it was an anthem for women everywhere, but for someone who was wearing a side ponytail, two pairs of socks on each foot, and shirts with puff paint, it was quite possibly the cheesiest song I had ever heard--because nothing says "classy" like a scrunchie and puff paint.
Years later I would attend Humboldt State University and major in Women's Studies. My education consisted of female activists, history makers, writers, poets, artists, dreamers, revolutionaries, critical thinkers, musicians, and yes, even a reference to Helen Reddy.
She still wasn't as cool as the ladies behind the band Le Tigre, or have the lyricism of Ani DiFranco, but it made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself, bigger than my life's petty dramas--I was Woman, hear me roar.
Happy International Women's Day to all of the inspiring women everywhere, and to my mom,
Sherry Farebrother, for being the most influential woman in my life.
P.S. Helen Reddy has given up her fame and fortune and resides in a small apartment in Australia (with a killer view mind you). Click here for an interesting interview with the former superstar.
P.P.S. Here is a small list of some phenomenal Women in History for you to reflect on, or familiarize yourself with:
(two part episode)
and last but not least, a reading by Maya Angelou!
