Celebrating International Women’s Day: A Family Tradition

Fernanda, founder of Bloom Well Therapy, with her Mother and Sister.

International Women’s Day holds a profound significance in my family, where it’s more
than just a date on the calendar—it’s a celebration of women’s voices and rights. Raised
by a remarkable single mother who emphasized both celebration and advocacy, I learned
early on the importance of honouring progress while recognizing the ongoing struggle for equality. This philosophy shapes not only my personal beliefs but is also the foundation and driving force behind Bloom Well Therapy, which is dedicated to supporting and empowering women, and those that identify as women, to make informed decisions that align with their bodies, minds, and aspirations.

In my work with clients, I draw from this legacy of empowerment, guiding people to embrace their agency and make choices that resonate with their essence. As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2024, themed “Inspire Inclusion”, let us remember that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done.

The Importance of Community: Our Collective Strength

From an early age, my mother instilled in me the importance of community. She emphasized the power of collaboration, teaching me that working together and supporting one another leads to greater success and fulfillment for all. This belief became especially poignant during International Women’s Day, where the celebration was intertwined with a profound acknowledgment of the effort required to build, care for, and nurture communities.

Women play multifaceted roles in our lives, offering support and understanding shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors. Through community, we find connection, share ideas, and inspire one another, creating spaces where women’s voices are amplified and their contributions celebrated. As we honour International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing and uplifting one another within the vibrant fabric of community, where our collective strength shines brightest.

Prioritizing Our Mental Health: Building Resilience Amid Challenges

Growing up, my family placed a strong emphasis on mental health, effective
communication, and staying grounded, recognizing the inherent unfairness that women
often face in society. From the invisible mental load to disparities in pay equity, women
encounter numerous obstacles that can strain their mental well-being. This is especially
true during the postpartum period, where the culmination of factors like workplace
limitations and transitioning to maternity leave can exacerbate mental health challenges.

By fostering awareness and offering comprehensive support, we can create environments where women feel empowered to navigate these transitions with resilience. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, we pave the way for women to thrive mentally and emotionally, ensuring their well-being remains a top priority in both individual and societal contexts.

Moving Society Forward: A Call for Collective Action

As we celebrate and acknowledge the progress made on International Women’s Day, it’s crucial to recognize that more needs to be done to propel society in a better direction. This requires a collective effort to support those who require additional assistance and to cultivate a team mentality where everyone’s well-being is prioritized.

Acknowledging our privilege is essential in this journey toward collective upliftment. By
recognizing where we hold privilege and leveraging it to support others, we can work towards creating a more equitable society. Strength lies in unity, and as we move forward, it’s imperative to uplift ourselves and our communities while ensuring that everyone, including those who are often underrepresented, is included and supported. 

Helping Women Thrive, Today and Every Day

Seeing the world through the lens of a single mother’s strength and resilience has informed every aspect of my life, from navigating healthcare to advocating for mental health and access to community resources.
Society often places immense pressure on women, leading to overwhelming demands from all directions. The importance of supporting women’s well-being—physically, mentally, and emotionally—cannot be overstated. It is at the heart and soul of my work, and the “why” behind my commitment to creating spaces where women can step back, prioritize self-care, and listen to their own needs and desires amidst the noise of societal expectations.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our dedication to giving women the tools and support they need to thrive, grounded in their own strength and agency, and where their voices are heard and valued.

References

WRITTEN BY FERNANDA VILLANEUVA, M.S.W., R.S.W.

Founder and Clinical Director of Bloom Well Therapy

Fernanda (she/her/hers) completed her Master of Social Work at the University of Toronto. She has over 15 years of experience working in community health, reproductive health, as well as clinical mental health settings with a specific focus in women’s mental health.

Found this article helpful?

Share it directly with people in your network!

Bloom Well Therapy Logo

Bloom Well Therapy provides psychotherapy services for your mental health & perinatal mental health needs.

Other Posts

Join The List