Beyond Roles: Reflecting on International Women's Day, March 8, 2024

As the dawn of International Women's Day, March 8, 2024, broke over the city, it brought with it a promise of reflection and celebration. This day was not just another mark on the calendar but a moment to pause and honor the indomitable spirit of women everywhere. Among these tales of resilience and strength, the story of Doreth Drummond, a woman of exceptional fortitude from Hanover, Jamaica, stood as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Doreth's journey began in the lush landscapes of Hanover but found its turning point in Kingston, where she laid the foundations of her family. She was a tower of strength for her two children and her husband, creating a nurturing home within the modest confines of a one-bedroom apartment on Guava Road. Doreth was more than just a wife and mother; she was an artist, her hands weaving beauty into hand-made curtains, pillows, and intricate crochet art. Her small business was not merely a means to earn but a testament to her creativity and independence.

Every day, Doreth packed lunch for her family, a simple act of love that bound them together. Her world, much like the worlds of countless women, was built around the promise of a partner's support. But when that promise was broken, as her husband left for a younger woman, leaving Doreth and her children to face the harsh realities of life, it was her unyielding spirit that shone the brightest.

The streets, which could have been the end of their story, became the backdrop for a new chapter. Doreth's resilience, forged in the trials of abandonment, became her greatest legacy. She stood tall, not just for herself but for her children, guiding them towards a better life with unwavering determination. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength that lies within every woman, often hidden beneath the roles they are assigned.

As we look back on International Women's Day 2024, let us remember Doreth Drummond and women like her across the globe. Women who, despite the challenges and heartaches, rise every day to build a better world for themselves and their loved ones. They are the mothers who pack lunch pans with love, the wives who stand by their partners, the ex-wives who rebuild their lives, the sisters who support each other, the aunts and grandmothers who pass down wisdom, and the godmothers who guide with gentle hands.

Today, we reflect and celebrate not just the woman in Doreth but the essence of womanhood in all its forms. We honor the sacrifices, the love, and the quiet strength that women, like the beautiful tapestry of Doreth's hand-made creations, weave into the fabric of our lives. Their roles are many, but their spirit is singular—a beacon of love, resilience, and hope.

In the essence of International Women's Day, let us take a moment to recognize the Doreth Drummonds of the world. Let us celebrate the women beyond their roles, for in each story of struggle and triumph, there lies the universal tale of womanhood, echoing the promise of a better tomorrow, built on the strength of women today.

Doreth Drummond was not only my mother; she was the first woman who taught me the value of a woman and the meaning of a man. Her life, filled with both joy and hardship, was a lesson in resilience, love, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit. As we celebrate the women in our lives—mothers, wives, ex-wives, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, and godmothers—let us remember to also honor their individuality, their dreams, and the profound impact they have on our understanding of the world. Doreth's legacy is a testament to the incredible role women play in shaping not just families but the very fabric of strong men. #IWD24