Stirring the Pot

It struck me as odd that the women recognised publicly for ‘International Women’s Day’ in my local area had one thing in common, even the 11 year old girl - they all achieved their accolades for their contributions to charity and community.

But why did I find this odd?

I guess, at first glance, the feminist in me reeled at the notion that none of them had been recognised for their business savvy, their political prowess or their ‘reach for the stars’ initiative. All things that society deems ‘successful’ and ‘unique.’ It frustrated me that these women were recognised for traditionally feminine roles - carers, donating their time to a cause and connecting others through community engagement. After all, is this how women want to be seen internationally? Upholding the patriarchal values placed upon us for centuries? 

My inner fury bubbled.

But I had to turn the temperature down. 

I needed to stew - to contemplate these women and to ask myself not ‘why odd?’ but ‘why not?’

In the 30 or so years that I have been doing community theatre I cannot think of one show, one concert, one event, one problem, one moment that didn’t involve the savvy, prowess and initiative of a woman. The show goes on due to her. She reads the script, signs the rights, makes the posters, sends the letters, sells the tickets, designs the sets, sews the costumes, readies the crew, directs the cast, handles the meltdowns, cleans the green room and locks up the theatre. She is boss, carer, creator and gatherer. And she manages to do it all with ease.

Growing up in the theatre from early adolescence, she left a definitive mark on me. Her strength and willingness for challenge created the recipe. Those ‘theatre mums’ knew just which ingredients to add to the pot. Marie gave her sweet kindness, Merrin her zesty passion, Rosemary her woody resolution, Mollie her spice for perfection and Lyn A the curry of confidence. 

And even now at 42, the flavours are still being enhanced. Still tasted and tested - by Lyn H and Lesley and Jan and Amber and the late Debbi. 

These women are the chefs who make the soup of whom I have, and am yet to, become. Not just because they’re there and the show must go on, but because they adore theatre and they cannot help but give. Their encouragement to keep stirring the pot of life and creativity and performance and art is a testament to women across the globe. 

As I simmered down, I began to really savour the aromas. Yes, women care, we donate and we connect, but we do it WITH savvy, prowess and initiative. And isn’t that worth the accolades?

Our value as people does not depend on the centuries old systems we live in. We can be recognised for all sorts of reasons. And we should be.

Today, I will go to dress rehearsal. I will lead the crew and assist the cast, and I will sip my stew in the green room at interval. 

Those women in theatre, charity and community who have wafted in and out of the brew will be with me.

And I will relish the flavours of 'International Women’s Day.'