Revisiting Julia's Letter: Origin of Mother’s Day
Women only gained the right to vote in Switzerland in 1971, shockingly late compared to other Western nations. The most natural healthcare topics for women, such as menopause and menstruation, have long been overlooked and stigmatized, with only 40% of countries providing free or subsidized menstrual products in schools. Today's pay gap persists, with women earning just 82 cents for every dollar earned by men in the United States, highlighting the ongoing need for gender equality in the workforce.
If you google the history of Mother’s Day, the internet will tell you that Mother’s Day began in 1908 when Anna Jarvis decided to honor her mother. But “Mothers’ Day”—with the apostrophe not in the singular spot, but in the plural—actually started in the 1870s, when the sheer enormity of the death caused by the Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War convinced writer and reformer Julia Ward Howe that women must take control of politics from the men who had permitted such carnage. Mothers’ Day was not designed to encourage people to be nice to their mothers. It was part of women’s effort to gain power to change society.
In today's edition of ReThink, we revisit the remarkable legacy of Julia Ward Howe. But as we honor trailblazers like Julia Ward Howe, let's not get too comfortable. Instead, let's roll up our sleeves and push for real change, shaking things up and fighting for equality for everyone.
Julia Ward Howe: A Trailblazing Visionary
Julia Ward Howe was not just a writer and reformer; she was a trailblazing visionary who dared to challenge the status quo and advocate for meaningful change. Born in 1819, Julia was a woman ahead of her time, whose tireless efforts paved the way for future generations of activists and changemakers. As Howe worked to unite women, she came to realize that a woman did not have to center her life around a man, but rather should be “a free agent, fully sharing with man every human right and every human responsibility.”
“This discovery was like the addition of a new continent to the map of the world,” she later recalled, “or of a new testament to the old ordinances.” She threw herself into the struggle for women’s suffrage, understanding that in order to create a more just and peaceful society, women must take up their rightful place as equal participants in American politics.
Applying Julia's Wisdom in Our Lives
How can we apply Julia's timeless wisdom to our lives today? Let's reflect on her message and explore practical ways to embody empowerment, advocate for justice, and create a more equitable and compassionate society.
At Thrive with Mentoring, we believe in the transformative power of women-to-women mentorship. By connecting women from diverse backgrounds and experiences, we create a supportive community where women can learn, grow, and thrive together. Through mentorship, we empower women to take control of their lives and careers, just as Julia Ward Howe envisioned.
Toolkit for Empowerment and Change
Drawing inspiration from Julia's legacy, here are three strategies to empower ourselves and effect meaningful change:
Amplify Your Voice: Speak out against injustice and inequality, using your platform to advocate for positive change in your community and beyond.
Build Bridges: Foster connections and solidarity with others who share your values and aspirations. By building coalitions and working together, we can amplify our impact and drive collective action.
Take Action: Channel your passion and energy into concrete actions that contribute to positive change. Whether it's volunteering, organizing, or advocating for policy reform, every effort counts towards building a better world.
One Actionable Challenge:
In the spirit of Julia's legacy, commit to taking one concrete action towards empowerment and change this week. Whether it's writing a letter to your representative, attending a community organizing meeting, or volunteering with a local organization, let your voice be heard and your actions inspire others.
Let Julia Ward Howe's legacy serve as a guiding light in our journey towards a more just, equitable, and compassionate world. Together, let's honor her vision and continue the work of building a brighter future for generations to come.
