This week has left many of us feeling a bit lost for words, much like the sentiments captured in a poignant letter by a fictional writer, Lena Martin. “Through you, our eyes have been opened, and we cannot unsee how much half of this country values women—including women themselves,” she expressed, addressing the struggles and triumphs of women everywhere.
The morning after the recent election, Lena recounts, “We woke up and sent each other selfies of our swollen, tear-streaked faces. We shared stories about our kids waking from nightmares about walls being built. We discussed how to explain to our daughters why a man who has assaulted women is now the president. We reached out as expectant mothers, anxious about what the future holds. I counted 38 texts from my girlfriends that morning alone, and I sent just as many in return.”
This week, a painful solidarity binds us together. We resonate with the anguish of those who have faced professional setbacks, who have been labeled as “too emotional” or “too ambitious.” Those of us who have done the same jobs, if not better, than men and yet have not received the acknowledgment we deserve. Lena’s fictional counterpart, with decades of political experience, faced a staggering defeat at the hands of a reality TV star.
“Your candidacy reflected our country’s deep-seated issues with gender,” Lena writes. “You became a guiding star for the women who came before us and those who will follow, a testament to the work we’ve accomplished and what remains to be done.”
If you noticed a lot of distraught women recently, you weren’t alone. The look of defeat was palpable. It’s okay to admit that we felt defeated. That blank stare of disbelief stings more than the loss itself. I couldn’t meet the eyes of another woman without feeling tears well up. We were deserving, we were strong, and we thought we had this. What went wrong? If those expressions could speak, they would echo our confusion and hurt.
Lena urges us to recognize the work done and the work that lies ahead, stating, “Through you, we’ve learned how deeply the value of women is perceived in this country. We now see the connections among us and the gaps that still exist.”
The hardest part for many is knowing that some women voted for the opposing candidate. Our rights, our freedoms, our bodies—betrayed by our own. It’s a bitter realization. For many, the idea of a woman in power symbolized recognition for our achievements, a validation that we are equal.
We didn’t achieve that, but that’s alright, because through this struggle, we’ve realized that the revolution isn’t just about recognition; it’s about the fire ignited within each of us. No election can extinguish that spark, no matter how defeated we may feel.
We rise up. That’s what women do.
“You are a vital part of a revolution that has simmered within us for generations. You’ve represented how our power manifests, how it threatens, how it’s misrepresented, and how it will be reborn,” Lena writes. “Thank you for being a beacon for us.”
In moments like these, it’s essential to remember that we are all in this together. If you’re looking for resources on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on infertility at WomensHealth.gov. And for those seeking more information about home insemination kits, visit Make a Mom for expert insights.
In the end, we’re all navigating our unique paths but sharing a common journey.
Summary
This week has left many women feeling a profound sense of loss and disbelief, echoing the sentiments expressed in a heartfelt letter addressing the struggles of women in light of recent events. The sense of solidarity is palpable, as many reflect on the challenges they’ve faced and the work that lies ahead. Despite feelings of defeat, there’s a shared understanding that the true revolution lies within each woman, fueled by passion and resilience. Together, we rise.