Why International Women's Day should recognise the mothers who are "risking it all" in Ukraine
The Menopod pays tribute to the women "risking it all" in the conflict with Russia
International Women’s Day was celebrated this week, and it seemed to be the perfect opportunity to relaunch The Menopod, our award-winning podcast that tackles all of the crucial questions for women over-45.
Our hosts, Sue Lee and Dawn Collinson, are back behind the mic, tackling puberty’s evil, older sister one G&T at a time.
The podcasting duo called for the annual event - which is held on March 8 - to celebrate the women “who are keeping the wheels on” in Ukraine.
Sue and Dawn argue that the mothers who are “risking it all” to support their families during the conflict with Russia should be recognised.
In a special episode, Dawn said that International Women’s Day should be “broadened out a little bit more” to pay tribute to the women affected by the war.
She said that the awareness day - that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women - should be used for those who are “never going to be recognised individually”.
“With all of the heartbreaking footage that’s coming out of Ukraine, women are doing amazing things there,” she argues.
“Now they’re never going to get recognised for it. Look at the TV and watch the news footage that’s coming out of that awful conflict: what an enormous amount of admiration we have for those women who are getting out with their kids, and risking everything to protect their families and do their best.
“On International Women’s Day, they are the group of women who we should be recognising, who make us feel: yeah, you know what? Women as a whole – we’re pretty good, aren’t we?”
Podcast host Sue praises the “bloody fantastic” women who are trying to carry on with their everyday lives, despite the bloodshed and destruction in the conflict with Russia.
She said: “I think we need to celebrate women, whatever our age, whatever our background, whatever our culture.
“And particularly in reference to what’s happening in Ukraine: the amazing women who are keeping the wheels on in a lot of ways out there.”
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Break the Bias’, and Sue argues that the annual event is still needed in 2022, because “the fight for equality is very much alive and kicking.”
“I think the barriers to women, particularly older women, are still very much in existence,” she explains.
“And I think the kind of fight for equality – whether that's a 20-year old-woman or whether you're a 60-year-old woman – is very much alive and kicking. We live in a world designed by men.
“I've got a daughter who is 22. I want her to have a better experience of being a woman in the 2020s and the 2030s than maybe my generation did.”
Sue adds: “But I think where the pinch point really comes is with older women. And I think things are moving. I think things have gotten better.
“I think older women are being recognised more for their experience and what they will bring to society into the workplace. But I still think there's a long way to go.”
The Menopod is a Laudable production for Reach, presented by Susan Lee and Dawn Collinson. It is produced by Dan McLaughlin.
The award-winning podcast is available to listen on all major podcasting platforms, including Apple, Spotify, and Google.