If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you know I’m an unabashed braggart when it comes to us boomer gals. Our generation, with the help of our older sisters, truly did mount a massive movement that overturned many of the gender inequities we knew as children. Our battles were hard fought and our triumphs richly deserved. A number of us bore rejection, derision, and even scathing verbal abuse. Yet, we soldiered on to create a parity of the sexes inside the home and outside in the world of work. Well, that is, almost.
Now, forty years later, you’d think we could rest on our laurels. Alas, NO! We do need to turn that same energy into the fight for the rights and respect of older women, but that isn’t the whole picture. Cheryl Saban, Ph.D., writer, social commentator, and activist has recently come out with a fascinating book, What is Your Self-Worth: A Woman’s Guide to Validation. According to her research, the world is still far from fair when it comes to divvying up the goodies: power, influence, money, and the rest of the earth’s bounty.
Cheryl reminds us that:
- Women in the United States still earn only 77 cents per dollar that a man makes for doing the same work.
- Women shoulder 66% of the world’s labor while earning 11% of the world’s income.
- Women own only 1% of the world’s land.
- 70% of the world’s poor are women, and are living on less than a dollar a day.
I interviewed Cheryl on Feisty Side of Fifty Radio and she shared her thoughts on the importance of self-worth and why so many women still struggle with the concept of recognizing our own value. She provided a number of tips and exercises that we can do to increase our sense of self-worth: honor our own voice, become responsible financially for our own lives, eliminate dysfunctional behaviors, love and validate ourselves, and share what we have with others. In these ways, Cheryl suggests, we can live more authentically, and, as she puts it, “strengthen our core.”
But, this work goes far beyond you and me. Globally, women and girls are woefully uneducated, the poorest of the poor, and make up the vast majority of refugees. We’re already aware of atrocities such as genital mutilation and stoning that many societies around the world condone. But Cheryl is on a mission to change these horrific realities. She’s started a foundation to accomplish just that and all the proceeds of her book will go towards meeting this vital and globally critical goal.
So take the time to listen to what Cheryl had to say and consider buying her book. What better gift can you give yourself, your mother, your daughter, your sisters, or your friends? The world of women will thank you for it, and I bet your sense of self-worth will surely rise as you come to the aid of your sisters around the world.
build confidence says
Thanks for finally talking about > Feisty Side of Fifty/Baby Boomer Women Women Over
50–What is Your Self-Worth < Liked it!
Beverly Mahone says
Based on research I’ve done, low self esteem in women starts on the homefront and normally at a very early age. Some women do grow out of it and learn to accept themselves as they are but over time, those same women are prone to slip back into a state of depression due to associations and life circumstances.
I struggled with some self-esteem issues when I was in my “tween years” but my parents were great motivators–always affirming my ability to succeed. Despite the differences my mother and I have had over the years, I am forever greatful for her gutsy, go get ’em attitude.
Debbie Stevens says
Good information Eileen, as always!
It’s a sad fact we women, still have so many issues to overcome…..books such as these are a wonderful tool!
Keep on bragging mate, and include yourself when ‘blowing that trumpet’!! Love you!
PopArtDiva says
Despite our fight for equality we women still suffer as second class citizens. The sad part is that since it’s “politically incorrect” to discriminate against women the practice has gone underground making it even more difficult to combat.
We must be aware and keep up the battle to become equal – in every part of the world.
Thank you and Cheryl for posting those statistics and reminding us that we still have a long way to go to achieve true equality for all women.
Heidi Caswell says
I’m surprised how many women become depressed, suffering from self-esteem issues, etc. Back in college, my roommate looked like a model, had guys flying in from all over the place to visit,etc. Got her law degree. Very outgoing. Always the first to make new friends in a new place.
Found her the other day, things had changed. She’d gotten very depressed when she hit menopause, gained weight, etc. She’d done a wonderful job taking care of her family and her she was feeling worthless.
She is working on getting out of that slump.
Anonymous says
Cannot wait to hear the interview with Cheryl Saban! Thanks for another great post. We’ve come a long way, baby and we still have miles to go. The good news is WE ARE Strong, WE ARE Invincible and WE ARE WOMEN! Whoohoo…
Happy 4th,
Heidi
rosie says
I am so glad she wrote this book. Poor self-worth is a beast that often resides under the surface skin of some very outwardly appearing successful women. I am glad you decided to focus on this “must know topic”.
Diana Black says
I will definitely listen to this important interview. When women are educated about the plight of other women, and discover how they themselves may not be treated fairly, they begin to make a difference. Women seldom rest on their laurels. It’s just not in our nature! Thank goodness for women like you and Saban who bring light to a subject that even in this century we are still often in the dark about. That’s hard to believe, but I think sometimes we forget how far we still have to go for equality in this country. Oh, and don’t get me started on some of our friends across the oceans, what they face each and every day. If each of us takes one minute a day to do something to empower women, we can make a huge difference. And one of the gifts of helping women, it tends to improve the quality of life for children as well. Guess it’s time to kick my soapbox to the curb…and get busy doing something! Like listening to the interview.
Diana
http://www.womenswednesdayweblink.blogspot.com
http://www.woofersclub.blogspot.com
http://www.sistersojourner.com
Pam Archer says
It’s sad, but true. In a world where men think that they rule, women are still used and cast aside. If you don’t believe it, study the women of Hollywood.
Women on who live on international soil have not cultivated a ground that demands respect. They have been suppressed for centuries.
Kudos to women who are leading the campaign for justice, freedom, and equality!