Evie is an inquisitive child. She’s a clever little girl with ability to listen, ask and learn.
Today was an ordinary day. We got up, organized, got the dog ready and headed out for school.
Our walks usually consist about talking about homes, people, community. Today, we crossed in front of the Women’s Centre in Sudbury which triggered a discussion.
"This is a special day, Evie.” I know she’s going to ask, I smile at her.
As she smiles back, “What day is it, Grandma?”
"Today is Women’s International Day.” Evie grabs my hand and says teasingly, “I am woman.”
I respond to her and remind her she is a girl with strong gifts to give to the world.
Usually when we walk, we tend to talk about designing homes, about designing communities, civics, etc. However, this walk, we focused on talking about girls today and girls in the past.
I explained to her that still, today, some girls don’t have the privilege to go to school, or go to school safely. I explained that there is another part of our world where there are young girls just her age who are frightened and don’t know what is in store for their future because they cannot dream of being a veterinarian like you can.
I explained to her in Canada that women didn’t even have the right to vote. That women were treated like they were owned property by men. She struggled with that concept.
We talked more and we managed to talk for several blocks about great things women can do.
We are lucky that we are born in this country and that today, women are able to go for their dreams, be leaders, creators, scientists, doctors and even chiefs.
Tonight, we enjoyed a celebration of our being. We went to the Women’s Centre. There was cake, music and crafts. She finished her lip gloss creation and music broke out. She looks at me and grins.
When a child feels safe, they fly.
Evie threw her hands in the air and broke out into dance moves. Her brown locks flipping in the air, twisting her hips, making me mindful that even Beyoncé would enjoy that move. I can’t pull my camera out fast enough.
I am proud of my daughter, because in the midst of her own disruptive life, she held on to the ability to mold a future that will be even stronger, wiser than we have been.
I filled out a form earlier, and Evie watched me like a hawk and asked what I was doing. I had filled out a volunteer form for the Women’s Centre. I know my actions will be repeated one day in her own hands.
She too will grab a pen and craft her world for the good of another generation to come.
Being Nookmis, being woman - its value - immeasurable.
Happy International Women’s Day 2018.
Maryanne Wilhelm
Sudbury