Dear Sweet Zoe,

Today’s a special day—International Women’s Day. The IWD theme this year is equality for women is progress for all, so I think it’s a good day to celebrate that women hold up half the sky.

Had you ever heard that old Chinese proverb before? To your Mum-mum, it’s a simple phrase that says so much. It beautifully illustrates how men and women work together—for the greater good; to feed, clothe, educate, and nurture their children; to protect the planet; and to bring balance, tolerance, respect, and love to everything they do.

Some people struggle accepting interdependence—you know, this working equally together thing. Some think it’s a bad idea. Others think it’s a good goal but aren’t sure how to make it so. Some people are totally behind it.

I think equality for all is pretty great, but I respect everyone’s right to their opinion.

Tolerance means it’s OK for people to think differently than you do. Doing so doesn’t make them wrong or you right. You love having Ash for a pet; I wouldn’t ever want Ash for a pet…not ever! Neither one of us is wrong for thinking the way we do, and we still love and respect each other.

That’s how it needs to be for lots of things, and that’s a big life lesson I hope you hang on to. You need to form your own ideas of how men and women each hold up their half of the sky.

What’s important is you giving things a good think before you decide.

Don’t let anyone tell you a certain job or career can’t be done because you’re a girl. Girls can be presidents, story tellers or farmers—just the same as boys can be. You’re the one who gets to choose. Just like you chose to get your black belt and get good at forms and sparring.

Stay firm in not wanting to wear anything pink or frilly. Soon you’ll be a teenager (OMG!), getting lots of pressure to look a certain way. Be you. Keep being confident on being you.

Keep being the boss. I love seeing you take charge when the neighborhood kids come around. Taking charge is another one of those things boys and girls can do, and do equally well.

When we compare notes in 2032, I can’t wait to hear what part of the sky you decided to hold up and how you’re making it so!

With love and hope for the future,

Mum-mum

*Zoe is my beautiful, free spirited grand-daughter. She encourages me in my writing and gives me great hope for the future of women.