Women's History Month - My Response to Being a Phenomenal Woman
Since the 1980s, March has been recognized as Women’s History Month. On the Western calendar, it sits just a few months shy of Mother’s Day. While not every woman identifies as a mother, the divine feminine energy has always nurtured life and maintained the sustainable cycles of our world.
The journey hasn't been easy; there have been grueling political fights for women’s rights in education, healthcare, economics, and nearly every other sector of society. As these struggles endure, we must use this month to do more than just reflect on historical figures. We must also look inward at our roles as leaders today and consider the impact we are making on those around us.
Phenomenal Woman
I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, the birthplace of Ms. Maya Angelou, the legendary poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. My connection to her legacy is even more personal: my son and my mother attended the very same school she did, though it has since been converted into a middle school.
Ms. Angelou survived and thrived by giving voice to the childhood experiences she once could not fully process. In one of her most popular poems, Phenomenal Woman (1978), she celebrates female confidence, self-love, and authenticity, suggesting that true beauty lies not in conventional standards but in embracing one’s inner strength and individuality.
I relate to Maya because I too, did not have a traditional road to success. I had to learn not just about myself, and build my confidence, I had to learn how to navigate the world, and that included understanding what self-love and leading with power really meant. I wrote a response to Ms. Angelou in poem.
The Business: My Response to Maya Angelou’s Phenomenal Woman Poem
Yes, Ms. Angelou, It’s me
That girl, that Woman
You and I are no different, you see
Your body curves and mine shape my silhouette
There is no secret, there is no sauce
You and I are no different, you see
The height, weight, and size make no difference
Your insides are bright as red scarlet, and so am I
You and I are no different, you see.
Those women, girls, babies of youth
Wrapped in pretty titles, fragrances, and green sheets
But they and I are different, you see.
Their fake laughter and meaningless love,
covered by a bow of dimmed light
But they and I are different, you see.
You and I, we, us, we empower
Rims of gold filled with crystal light of power
We fight against the unseen and lack of –
Us, we, you and I, we empower
Can hear from miles away and provide the space
We fight against the unseen and lack of –
Today, we declare it back
Our time, our victory, our success.
They are not us
And you and I are no different, you see.
The Stewardship of Leadership
Ultimately, true leadership is not a title to be claimed, but a gift to be stewarded. It is a responsibility that requires us to be mindful of the seeds we plant and the shadows we cast. When we lead with authenticity, much like Ms. Angelou shadowed, we create a ripple effect that empowers others to find their own voices. To steward this gift correctly means leading with a balance of strength and empathy, ensuring that the paths we pave today are wide enough for the next generation of women to walk through with confidence.
Your luxury blouse and designer shoes don’t matter if your team is struggling.
Final Thoughts:
This Women’s History Month, I challenge us to go beyond the surface of celebrations. Let this be a season of true, deep reflection. Real power isn’t found in a title, a position, or the luxury of status; those are just a physical benefit. The heartbeat of our history lies in our feminine energy, the quiet strength that nurtures, the fierce intuition that protects, and the collective wisdom that uplifts.
Ask yourself: How are you using your energy to empower those around you? How are you stewarding the space you occupy to ensure others can grow? As we honor the giants who came before us, let’s commit to leading with an authenticity that doesn't just seek success but seeks to leave the world more sustained than we found it. That is the true legacy of a phenomenal woman.
About Raven's House
Raven‘s house is the personal brand of Raven D Pugh. Ms. Raven is a personal development coach and business consultant.
No comments:
Post a Comment