Who checks on the woman who checks on everyone else? Who notices when she is worried about money, exhausted from daily responsibilities or putting aside her own plans to meet her family’s needs? In many homes, women keep things running quietly, and because they rarely stop, people may not realise how much they are carrying.
Women take on many responsibilities within their homes and communities. They care for children, manage household needs, help family members through difficult times and sometimes earn an income while keeping everything else going. For women facing financial hardship, these demands can become even more difficult, especially when they have little help to share the burden.
Yet, strength does not mean that a woman never gets tired or needs help. Behind the care she provides may be worries about school fees, food, healthcare, rent or how to meet the needs of everyone depending on her. When these struggles go unnoticed, it becomes easy to appreciate what women do without asking what they need in return.
At Ese-Tonia Foundation, our work with women and families in underserved communities reminds us that creating opportunities for women can make a difference beyond the individual. Through EmpowerHer Future, women and widows are gaining vocational skills in areas such as fashion and design, catering and makeup. These skills can help them explore income-generating opportunities, build confidence and work towards greater financial independence.
When women have access to these opportunities, they have more options for meeting their needs and contributing to their families. However, they should not have to carry every responsibility alone. Families, communities, organisations and public institutions all have a role to play in ensuring women have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Recognising women means looking beyond the roles they perform for others. It means listening to their concerns, respecting their ambitions and making room for their rest, growth and wellbeing. A woman deserves care and consideration not only because of what she does for her family, but because her needs and aspirations matter too.
What can you do? Start at home by sharing household responsibilities, checking in on the women in your life and asking what would make their lives easier. You could also help a woman access skills training, connect her to an income opportunity, mentor her or contribute to an organisation working to improve women’s lives.
At Ese-Tonia Foundation, we believe women should not have to choose between caring for their families and pursuing opportunities for themselves. When we share responsibilities and create room for women to grow, we help build families where everyone has the chance to thrive. Let us move beyond praising women’s strength and take practical steps to make their lives better.