International Women’s Day
It’s International Women’s Day!
In this time of #metoo and #timesup, and all the other social movements that are pressing for progress for women’s equality and rights, I encourage you to take a few moments to celebrate yourself. As women, we are so focussed on nurturing or supporting “others,” that we can forget or neglect to nurture ourselves and celebrate what makes us unique. The best thing we can do for the world is to be authentic.
(This photo of me, my adventurous, authentic self, was taken in Austria while on a Viking River Cruise).
Love,
Shannon
On this International Women’s Day, be Phenomenal
On this International Women’s Day, I want to share a poem that so many of us can relate to:
Phenomenal Woman – a poem by Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
*Photo courtesy Huffington Post
DD International Women’s Day event coverage
Last Saturday, I attended the DD International Women’s Day Awards and Celebration 2016, where a number of women from across many sectors and industries were honoured. As the keynote speaker for the evening, I gave a speech, “Follow Your Heart.” I was particularly honoured to share the stage with the Hon. Hazel McCallion, former mayor of Mississauga. More than 500 people attended and there was incredible world music and entertainment.
Here are some highlights:
Me, in case you didn’t know.
Pictured with some of the award winners
On stage lighting the “tree of light.”
The Hon. Hazel McCallion, at 95 yrs still rockin’ the stage.
I can’t resist capturing these moments for my friends on social media
Some of the event coverage from the DD International Women’s Day Awards Ceremony 2016, where I gave a keynote “Follow Your Heart.”
Love and light,
Shannon
Shannon Skinner is on a journey of following her heart and creating change in the world. She is a broadcaster, inspirational speaker, author and writer on the subjects of change and travel. Her inspiring keynotes are uplifting and transforming lives around the globe. To book her as a speaker for your next conference, contact shannon (at) shannonskinner.com. Watch her interviews with extraordinary women at www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com.
Follow me on Twitter: @Shannon_Skinner
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Blog: www.ShannonSkinner.com
A night celebrating Indo-Canadian women
I had the opportunity to speak last night at the Indo-Canadian Arts and Culture Initiative’s (ICACI) gala celebrating International Women’s Day and the achievements of Indo-Canadian women. I got a traditional dress for the evening, which I must say, was a hit!
It was great to meet The Hon. Dr. Kellie Leitch, Canada’s Minister of Labour and the Status of Women, who was in attendance and said a few words in honour of International Women’s Day and her new initiatives for women and girls.
(The Hon. Dr. Kellie Leicht)
A number of awards were handed out to some extraordinary women for their accomplishments. There was traditional dance performances, music and (my favourite) traditional Indian food. We were joined by the Consul General of India, Mr. Akhilesh Mishra and his lovely wife, and my friend, Reeti Mishra.
The “hero” award recipients are:
Arts and Culture – Anu Vittal, Artist and Poet
Diversity – Puja Amin, Founder, Sanskriti Arts
Performing Arts – Vandana Vishwas, Musician
Media – Anjum Nayyar, Founder, Masala Mommas
Entrepreneur – Renu Mehta, Founder and President, Imagebuilderz
Community Leadership – Deepti Aurora, Philanthropist
Congratulations to all!
There were entertaining Bollywood performances by Sanskriti Arts, and singing by Vandana Vishwas and Raghbir Chauhan.
Here is Mokshi Virk, Director, ICACI on stage with the young dance performers and our lovely emcee:
Selfie with talented artist and friend, Bhavna Bhatnagar…
And a very special THANK YOU to Mary Tripi, owner, The Private World of Mary Tripi salon, for making my hair presentable for the event!
More photos to be posted soon – the professional ones! 🙂
Always uplifting to celebrate women’s achievements….
Shannon
This International Women’s Day, be thankful for the UN
On this International Women’s Day, I am thankful for the United Nations and its important work around the globe. The United Nations, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, touches the lives of every woman – and in every aspect of her life.
I recently had the privilege of visiting the United Nations European Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the world’s capital of peace. The UN is located in the magnificent Palais des Nations, a marvel of architecture situated on a sprawling property with a breathtaking view of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Much peace-making and humanitarian history has been made there and if you’ve never been, put it on your love list.
This visit not only opened my eyes, it is changing the course of my life.
“The United Nations has an impact on everyone on the planet, from the time we get up to the time we go to bed, for both women and men,” says Corinne Momal-Vanian, Director, Information Service and Spokesperson for United Nations Geneva. “From health, to the world of work, to mobile phones, to patents.”
The UN has a key role in ensuring women’s rights are protected and promoted, as well as ending discrimination against women. Though the education of girls in underdeveloped countries has been a major area of focus, in recent years, there has been an interesting shift in priorities. According to Momal-Vanian, in the last 10-15 years, the UN has made great progress with the education of girls, particularly at the primary school level. “We’re near parity at primary school, which is huge progress because that’s the basis for everything.”
(Corinne Momal-Vanian, pictured in her office at the UN Geneva)
While progress has been made in education, there are now greater challenges ahead in other areas.
Maternal health is now one of the biggest areas of work of the UN, with the World Health Organization and UNICEF, a few of the many organizations that are part of the UN family. And for good reason. “Death in childbirth and death during pregnancy is at an unacceptable level,” adds Momal-Vanian.
The numbers are bleak. According to the World Health Organization, 1,000 women die every day of the consequences of pregnancy and childbirth, including severe bleeding after childbirth, infections, hypertensive disorders and unsafe abortions.
While maternal health is a top priority, according to Momal-Vanian, ending discrimination and protecting women’s rights in general, is also one of its biggest challenges. In her view, we need to be firmer with countries’ commitments to ending discrimination against women.
And so, this International Women’s Day, let’s not only celebrate the advancement and protection of our rights, let’s do our bit to help stop women all over the world from dying during childbirth and pregnancy.
Lastly, the United Nations in Geneva is holding a number events throughout the year to mark its 70th anniversary. For more information, visit the UN website and Geneva Tourism.
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational speaker, writer, and host and producer of the television and online series www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com.
Thank God I am a woman
International Women’s Week is upon us whereby women, and many of the men who love us, are celebrating the joys of womanhood around the world. Now, in all this hoopla and hype, I need to come clean on something.
In case you did not notice, I am a woman. Your first clue might be that I interview only women on my talk show Extraordinary Women TV. While today I am deeply grateful to be a woman, I was not always. Ehem, let me explain.
When I was seven years old, my youngest sibling was born. A boy. After bringing three daughters into the world (I am the eldest), my young parents gave birth to a son. It was a much-anticipated event for friends and family members alike. When my mother was pregnant, I often heard comments such as: “Maybe you’ll finally have a baby brother! Wouldn’t that be great?”
I had also heard similar comments when my mother was previously pregnant with my two younger sisters. This “boy-thing” seemed to be a big deal.
Still, one of the most memorable days of my childhood was the day my brother was born. The school’s principal called me out of class to take a phone call from my father, who was at the hospital with my mother who had gone into labour earlier in the morning. As I stood on a chair so that I could reach the phone that was fastened high on the wall, my father’s matter-of-fact words on the other end touched me: “You have a baby brother.”
When I walked back into the classroom with a smile from deep within, my teacher, who was expecting the announcement, asked me if I now had a baby brother or sister. When I replied “brother,” everyone in the class cheered. It seemed like so much more fuss and celebration than when my previous siblings — girls — were born.
I quickly came to realize that this new kid in the family, a son, got all the attention and, through my childish eyes, took away my glory as a girl – because he was a boy. Wherever we went, people congratulated my parents: “Finally, after three girls they have a boy!” But my seven-year-old ears heard something different. What I heard at a deeper level was this: You are a girl, therefore you are not worthy.
This feeling of being second in value held me back as not only a creative being, but as a successful person. At the drastic end of the scale, I hated being a girl and wished to be a boy because I experienced the value society places on a boy: a cherished boy passes along the noble family name to the next generation.
As a girl, I felt inferior. I lacked confidence in my abilities. And this became my catalyst to want to become just as good as, if not better than, a boy.
That’s when I made the faulty decision in my child’s mind that men are more powerful than women. Coming from a traditional family model in the ‘60s, where the man worked and woman stayed at home to raise the children, I realized my father had the control of money in the family, and I saw that as being the most powerful seat in the house because we could not do anything or go anywhere without money, and those decisions were always up to my father.
I saw my mother as somehow being weaker because she did not make those financial decisions. That was when I decided that I wanted to be like my father when I grew up because he worked and made money — and therefore had the power. I saw the woman in the family as powerless.
And so, as I grew up, I placed my values into the areas men value in society: career, work, finance. As a teen, and later, young woman, I stuffed my femininity into a closet because I saw it as a weakness. I worked hard at my career then, and still do, like a man in a man’s world. I unconsciously avoided my feminine side. As a result, as a young woman, I was never truly in touch with the feminine traits of healing, intuition, nurture, care, family, compassion and creation.
The result has not always been wonderful. Sure, I’ve had an exciting career and earned a living, and made my own decisions – for good and bad — around money. Good for me that I fulfilled my own prophecy. But for years, I have suffered from chronic and severe dysmenorrhea, which does not seem to be uncommon for women like me: those who put their careers first. Some experts have told me this medical issue is a physical result or manifestation of disowning femininity on the unconscious level. I believe it.
In my thirties, while trying to heal this often debilitating condition, one day I “woke up” and realized the power my mother truly had — and still has. I became ashamed of myself for not seeing it earlier – much earlier. What I did not recognize as a child, or young woman, for that matter, was the power my mother had of nurture, care and sensitivity. The power of making my tears go away when I fell off my bike and scraped my knees. The power of making me feel safe inside our house on stormy prairie nights. The power of making me feel like the “beautiful swan” when I told her I really felt like the “ugly ducking” from the storybook. Even today, my mother has the power of making me feel that everything is going to be okay when I fear the sky is falling.
For all the money and business status in the world, my father, whom I respect very much, could not have the power to do that. And so, I came to see the perfect balance of power in the family. When I saw this perfect balance, I began to see — and appreciate — my own power as a woman. I have since consciously brought out of the closet my feminine traits: that of healing, intuition, nurture, care, family, compassion and creation – and, not to forget, beauty. I believe I am a much better person for it.
And so, thank God I am a woman.
I would love to hear from you about why you are grateful to be a woman.
I, the Reluctant Speaker
I recall reading some years ago that there are three fears in life:
1. Fear of public speaking
2. Fear of dying, and
3. Fear of dying while public speaking
Cheeky, I know. But, this is exactly how I felt for many years – until recently.
As a professional communicator, I have spent two decades in the field of public relations. I also spent those twenty years hiding from professional public speaking. A big reason was fear (“terror” is a more accurate word), but not all: I simply did not enjoy getting up in front of people and being the centre of attention. Period.
Now, anytime I tell someone about this, they look at me like I have 8 horns growing out of my head. Apparently, I come across as being extroverted (like extroverts are supposed to enjoy public speaking), but, truthfully, inside I feel more like an introvert.
On my recent trip to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, I had some time to reflect (not much, though, as it was packed with activity, plus I got a horrible chest cold). I believe my fear of public speaking stemmed from my first public address in elementary school when I stood up in front of the class and completely forgot my speech. As I stood there as blank as a sheet of paper, the entire class burst into laughter (hey, I would too!). Feeling like the village idiot, I vowed to never let that happen again.
So, I hid from it.
Well, fast-forward to my twenties and thirties, when I worked in the PR agency world for a number of years, I would find any excuse I could to get out of doing major presentations because I was far too nervous (I would call in sick, or conveniently have a scheduling conflict, or come up with some other excuse). I would have rather hammered toothpicks underneath my nails.
In later years, I took a teaching position at a university with one goal in mind: to get over my fear. It helped, but I still did not enjoy getting up in front of people to speak.
So, I still hid from it.
In my relatively new role as an internet TV talk show host, I had to get over my fear of being in front of the camera. Since launching my new career, I continually get asked to speak to groups, on a variety of topics. And I’ve been saying “yes” – willingly.
I realized my reluctance over the years did not have as much to do with speaking in front of a group as it did about having the right topic to speak about. I just needed the right topic and, vavoom…
I recall one of my teachers saying “if you have a gift, it is your responsibility to share it with the world” (thank you, John Demartini). When I got clear that I had a message — listen to your heart’s desires — I realized that this one of the most important aspects of life to me: to listen and follow my heart’s desires — no matter what. And because that is the thing I want deeply, it is also the greatest challenge I have been given. Why? So I strive to learn…and share…
Even having written a book on the subject: “The Whispering Heart: Your Inner Guide to Creativity,” I still have not yet mastered it.
But what I do know, and what I have a lot of practice doing, is striving to follow my heart, getting over the fear to do so, and finding the tools to help me get back on my path when I veer off.
I believe I have been given two gifts: 1. Ability to communicate, and 2. A message worthy of sharing. I also believe it is my responsibility to share the wisdom I have gleaned, including the mistakes and failures. Besides, it’s all a lesson.
When I attended the We Move Forward 2012 International Women’s Day event, I gave a few introductory words and shared a story worthy of hearing, which I share here in this video (below).
My point is this: if you have a fear of public speaking, just know this: so do I. If I can do it, so can you.
I, the Reluctant Speaker….
© Shannon Skinner 2012
special report International Women’s Day We Move Forward 2012, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
I recently attended the We Move Forward 2012 International Women’s Day event, which took place March 8-10, 2012 on Isla Mujeres (“Woman Island”), Mexico. I asked a number of the speakers and participants this question: What does it mean to be a woman?
Here’s what they had to say:
The wind proved to be somewhat of a challenge for recording (hey, it’s an island after all!).
Most of the footage was shot on location at the Avalon Reef Club Isla Mujeres, and also at the island’s north end at the Mayan ruins of the temple Ixchel.
My show, Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner, is the proud media partner.
Moving forward, using all my breath…
This past week, I was in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, attending the We Move Forward 2012 International Women’s Day event. The reason this event was so significant is its location: Isla Mujeres means “Woman Island” in Spanish. The event brought together dozens of women from across Canada, the United States, Mexico and other destinations, to hear some incredible speakers and storytellers, share their visions, and celebrate being a woman.
I attended representing “Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner,” the event’s media partner. When I first heard about this event several months ago, I wanted to be involved, since I had been to Isla Mujeres and fell in love with it, and resonated with the concept of bringing women together for IWD.
The event, which had a spiritual retreat flavour, took place at the wonderful Avalon Reef Club resort and focused on the central theme: moving forward.
(photo: courtesy of Avalon Reef Club Isla Mujeres, Mexico)
It was a success! So many people involved deserve a special thanks — far too many to be named individually in one blog post. So I will say KUDOS to ALL involved. And one big round of applause for Janeen Halliwell, who conceived and spearheaded the event.
(photo: Janeen Halliwell)
The event kicked off with cocktails at CoMoNo (“Why Not?”), owned and operated by Canadian Penny Deming. Each day started with a mindful movement session conducted by wonderful practitioners, followed by a yummy, healthy breakfast (sponsored by Barlito’s), then a day filled with speakers and storytellers.The featured speakers really touched hearts – thanks to: Monica Parker, Kristin Crowe, Judith Jenya and Elizabeth Mahon.
The facilitators were amazing: Janeen Halliwell, Christie Andrus and Cathy & Ed McKenzie.
(photo: Janeen and Katie, closing ceremony dinner)
The storytellers added another layer of depth and entertainment – kudos to: Alison Sawyer Current, Molly Fisher, Pamela Maddox, and Lorna Tychostup. One of the highlights was a special ceremony conducted by Mayan Elder, Mary Coba, who took us through a traditional Mayan ceremony, honouring the earth and elements.
(photo: Mary Coba, Mayan elder, conducting traditional Mayan ceremony)
(photo: the room where the event was held at the Avalon Reef Club Isla Mujeres)
There was a fiesta in the town square, dancing and a wonderful closing ceremony and dinner. And, of course, a little time to enjoy the sights.
(photo: the waves are soothing)
Hats off to the Avalon Reef Club for outstanding service, and especially the hotel’s general manager, Diana Arriaga.
Many women had breakthroughs during the event. I gleaned some of my own personal insights that I will share over the next while, but in the meantime, here’s something to whet your appetite:
1. It’s not always about business, even when it is business: Even when we attend events to network and potentially land business for ourselves, sometimes the gift you get from a business association may not business-related at all. Sometimes it is as simple as an idea of a way of life for yourself, or a new friend.
2. Everyone is needed: No matter what your background is, what clothing size you wear, what preferences you have, or what job or career you have, everyone has a role in society and we need everyone to make it happen.
3. Sometimes you just need to rest: Unfortunately, I caught a nasty cold mid-way through the week on Isla Mujeres. I did something unusual while traveling: I rested, so I could let my body heal.
Overall, my personal take-away from the event is this: I’m moving forward, using all my breath (as sung by Modern English) … I have a bigger dream and vision for myself, and having attended this event and gleaned some extraordinary insights, I will put all my energy into those forward steps.
Give this a whirl: so what steps will you take this week to move forward with your dream?
Stay tuned for more to come in the series.
© Shannon Skinner 2012
What it means to be a w-o-m-a-n
Welcome to my new blog! This site is “under construction” and I decided not to wait to share my voice and words, so here it is…
As I prepare to attend next week’s We Move Forward 2012 International Women’s Day event on Isla Mujeres (“Woman Island”), Mexico, I find myself reflecting on what it means to be a “woman.”
Perhaps the meaning is unique for every woman. Or, maybe there is an underlying meaning shared by every woman on the planet. Perhaps it simply comes down to individual values.
One dictionary definition of a woman is this: an adult female human. Somehow, though, that does not capture the “essence” of what a woman is, or how she shows up in the world.
It is far more than that.
Yesterday, my niece had a baby, which makes me a “Great Auntie.” I’m excited to have this new introduction into our family – so special. Let’s face it, giving birth is an experience unique to the female gender. So, certainly having the ability to have a baby is very womanly. My niece is a young woman and perhaps what she will deem “being a woman” will be defined by this experience; only time will tell.
But what about women who choose not to, or simply can’t, have children? Are they any less womanly than a female who chooses to procreate?
No.
And is the stay-at-home mom any more womanly than the career-type who is determined to be fully independent, run a business or have a high-powered job, and maybe travel the world, regardless of whether she has a family? Or vice versa?
I don’t think so.
Being a woman is not just about looks or our physique either, although, hey, the anatomy type is certainly a criteria.
Women are: girlfriends, wives, mothers, daughters, granddaughters, grandmothers, sisters, nieces and aunts – and Great Aunts. They are also healers and nurturers. They not only create a family, they hold a family together. A community is created by women. Women are the glue that holds our society together.
I’m looking forward to the We Move Forward 2012 event, celebrating women, on the “island of women.” There is a fantastic line-up of speakers, storytellers, healers – and women from all over coming together to form “community.” My talk show, Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner is the proud media partner, and I also look forward to blogging about my experience – and insights. So, stay tuned!
In the meantime, I’ll leave you with this video:
Bette Midler singing “I’m a Woman”
© Shannon Skinner 2012
