beautician Izabela Lemanska

Being a Woman – A Story of Strength, Passion, and the Everyday Heroine,About You and For You

Being a WomanA history full of strength and extraordinary women

International Women’s Day – Some Facts, Not Just from the PRL Era

Women in Art, Muse or Creator?

International Women’s Day – A Symbol of Partnership or Feminism?

International Women’s Day of Our Grandmothers and Mothers

How It Was Back Then, and How It Is Today?

Being a Woman – Who Are You?

Wishes (Not Only) for International Women’s Day

Being a woman

is probably one of the most multidimensional experiences one can imagine. Every woman defines femininity in her own way, walking her own path and living her own unique story. Femininity is strength and sensitivity, history and modernity, rebellion

and acceptance. Today, I’d like to share a few thoughts with you – without any pathos, but with admiration. Because, let’s be honest, being a woman is not only a challenge but an art. Why today? I’m sure you’ve already guessed – today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day🌷 A Day when the world reminds itself how exceptional we are. But the truth is, we women deserve to be celebrated every day – for our strength, sensitivity, creativity, and the million roles we play every day. Being a woman is truly an art – a bit like balancing on a tightrope in high heels, with a coffee in one hand, a head full of dreams, and at the same time, with resilience

and determination. On this occasion, I invite you on a shared journey through the history of women – full of inspiring figures.

From unyielding feminists fighting for our rights, through artists, muses, and politicians changing the world, to our grandmothers, the quiet heroines, who with their daily wisdom and tenderness wrote their own stories. So sit back, relax with a cup of your favorite coffee (or a glass of wine – after all, it’s our celebration!) and let yourself be swept into the world of female strength, courage, and passion. A History Full of Strength and Extraordinary Women Women have always played key roles

in history as leaders, discoverers, artists, scientists, warriors, and reformers. Although their achievements have often been overlooked or diminished over the centuries, it is impossible to deny how enormous their impact has been on the world

we live in today. If we had the opportunity to travel through time, we would quickly notice how different women’s lives looked depending on the era and location. From queens who ruled with determination to those who were denied the right to education.

It’s worth mentioning Cleopatra VII, the last queen of Egypt, known for her intelligence, political cunning, and ability to forge alliances. Or Elizabeth I, Queen of England, who made her country a powerhouse and ruled during the “golden age” of the English Renaissance. And of course, I must mention the great figure of Marie Skłodowska-Curie, because although she wasn’t a queen,

she ruled the world of science, winning two Nobel Prizes and forever changing medicine.

Warriors and Revolutionaries Joan of Arc – a young girl who led the French army to victory, becoming a symbol of courage and patriotism.

Emmeline Pankhurst – leader of the suffragette movement, fighting for women’s voting rights in the UK. Rosa Parks – her refusal to give up her seat on the bus became the beginning of the civil rights struggle in the USA. Pioneers and Discoverers Amelia Earhart – the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, inspiring generations to break boundaries. Simone de Beauvoir – philosopher and feminist whose books changed the way society views the role of women. These are just a handful of women who changed the course of history. Every era had its heroines – famous and unknown – who dared to think differently, act boldly, and strive for change. Today, their legacy inspires generations to come.

International Women’s Day Some Facts

International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th, has its roots in movements for women’s rights and social equality. Though for modern women it is mostly associated with giving flowers and well wishes, its history is connected to the fight for better living conditions, voting rights, and equality in work. The first protests for gender equality took place in various parts of the world, addressing different issues such as voting rights, access to education, economic equality, and workers' rights. One of the key moments in this struggle was the publication of the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen by French writer and activist Olympe de Gouges in 1791, demanding equal rights for women and men. Another important event was the Seneca Falls Convention (USA) in 1848. This was the first formal meeting on women’s rights in the USA. The Declaration of Sentiments, signed there, demanded, among other things, the right for women to vote. This was the beginning of the long struggle for women’s equality… At the beginning of the 20th century, in 1908, women in New York went on strike in the textile industry, demanding better working conditions and the right to vote. In 1909, the USA organized the first National Women’s Day, inspired by these protests. In 1910, German socialist Clara Zetkin proposed the establishment of International Women’s Day at the Second International Conference of Socialist Women in Copenhagen. And so, March 8th became a symbolic date. In Poland, a real breakthrough in the fight for gender equality occurred in 1918 – when Poland regained independence, women immediately gained the right to vote! This was made possible thanks to the determination of activists like Józefa Bojanowska, Justyna Budzińska-Tylicka, and Maria Dulębianka. Polish women were among the first in Europe who could vote and stand for election! In the countries of the Eastern Bloc (including Poland), Women’s Day became an official holiday during the PRL era. It was celebrated grandly, though often in a propagandist way, with women receiving flowers (especially carnations) and small gifts at their workplaces. In the 60s and 70s, feminists in Western countries began to remind everyone of the original meaning of the day – as an opportunity to fight for women’s rights. In 1977, the UN officially recognized March 8th as International Women’s Day, honoring the long and difficult journey women had taken to achieve equal rights, as well as reflecting on gender equality. Just one hundred years ago, our great-grandmothers had to fight for the right to vote, to work, and to independence. Today, although we theoretically have more opportunities, we still need to remind the world that a woman is not just a “pretty addition” to men’s history, but a full-fledged heroine.

Women in Art – Muse or Creator? Once, a woman was primarily an inspiration. A muse for painters, poets, and composers – depicted as delicate, fleeting, and mysterious. But did you know that for centuries, women were not allowed to professionally engage in art? When Artemisia Gentileschi tried to gain recognition as a painter in the 17th century, she had to prove that she was just as good as the men. Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–1656) was one of the first recognized painters of the Baroque era, and her path to success was full of challenges, both artistic and personal. She fought for recognition in a male-dominated world of art and for her dignity after enduring the brutality of violence. Today, things are different. Women not only create but also take the stage. In literature, music, and film – from Wisława Szymborska, the Polish poet and Nobel laureate, whose poems touch hearts all over the world, to Frida Kahlo, the Mexican painter who used art to express pain, love, and feminine identity.

We cannot forget about Coco Chanel, the fashion icon who liberated women from corsets and created an iconic style. Thanks to this, the female perspective brings a whole new quality to the world.

Women’s Day – Feminism or Partnership?

And here’s the question… Keep in mind that not every woman identifies with feminism in its activist or ideological form, but everyone deserves partnership and respect – because that’s the foundation of healthy relationships, both in a partnership and in society. Partnership, meaning together, not against each other. Partnership is not a struggle for dominance but cooperation. It’s the awareness that both parties in a relationship or at work have their strengths, needs, and ambitions. It’s not about splitting everything evenly but making sure both feel valued and seen. Respect is the foundation of every relationship, not just kind words, but daily little gestures: listening to the other person, appreciating their efforts, and not belittling their role or decisions. It’s also equal treatment – without stereotypes that say “a woman should” or “a man must.” And you don’t have to be a feminist to want to be treated fairly. Not every woman has the need to participate in marches or use feminist rhetoric, but every woman wants to be treated fairly. She wants to feel safe, have the right to choose, and not be judged through the lens of gender. That’s not ideological – it’s just common sense. And in conclusion, I can confidently say that partnership and respect are not “inventions” – they are principles that make life easier, relationships better, and the world fairer. Because, at the end of the day, it’s not about who rules, but whether we are good to each other.

Women’s Day for Our Grandmothers and Mothers

Our grandmothers celebrated Women’s Day in true epic style – with a carnation in one hand and a pack of tights in the other! The morning would begin traditionally: At work, the boss would hand out a flower and wish “all the best,” and then emphasize how “women are the backbone of our company” – of course, forgetting about a raise. In the afternoon, grandmothers would return home, where a real celebration awaited them… which meant cooking lunch for the entire family. Because the best gift for a woman was “relieving the man from hunger.” In the evening, neighbors would gather for tea (which often had “special significance” because it was a rare treat) and “debrief” what had happened during the day – gossiping about how Mrs. Kowalska from across the street received three carnations and a chocolate bar. But I’ll tell you what: despite the festive atmosphere, our grandmothers managed to be strong, determined, and independent, even in such difficult times. They had the strength to fight for their own lives and future. Our mothers also took this torch. Let’s remember them with love and gratitude. The heroes of everyday life are often the unsung ones, but without them, the world would have looked completely different.

"This is how it used to be! And today?

Currently, International Women's Day is celebrated in different ways depending on the country. In many places, flowers and small gifts are still given, but increasingly, it is also a day for discussions about women's rights, equality, and the challenges we still face. It is not only an occasion for celebration but also a reminder of how much has been achieved and how much more needs to be done regarding equality. Today, women can celebrate however they want – whether through relaxation, a strike, or simply enjoying a delicious cake and coffee. But one thing remains the same: the carnation is still on top!

Being a Woman – But Who Exactly?

I believe there is no single answer. Within this concept lies an endless spectrum of roles, emotions, and experiences.

Being a woman sometimes means having the strength of a superhero and other times the subtlety of morning mist. It is the ability to juggle a million things at once—work, passions, family, friendships—while still finding a moment for oneself. It is balancing between the world’s expectations and one’s own dreams.

Being a woman means having a choice. It means constantly redefining oneself. It means having the right to make mistakes and to succeed.

So, my dear, what does femininity mean to you? What story are you creating? What role do you choose—for yourself, not for others?

To be a woman is to be yourself. And that is the most beautiful definition.

And Finally…

A woman is a being of extraordinary abilities—she can talk on the phone, cook dinner, watch over the kids, and still remember what her man said three years ago at exactly 5:42 PM.

She has magic within her—she can create something out of nothing. Like a delicious meal from an "empty" fridge or the outfit of a lifetime from a closet full of "I have nothing to wear."

She is a master of diplomacy—she can say “Do as you wish” in a way that instantly makes a man realize he really needs to think twice.

She has an incredible memory—especially for dates, promises, and the youthful mistakes of her partner, which she remembers even when he has long forgotten.

A woman is a fusion of elegance, strength, and humor. She can walk an entire city in heels and then rule the world from her slippers.

And even when she says, “Fine, let it be,” we all know—she always has the last word. With grace, a smile, and undeniable charm!

Wishes for (Not Just) Women's Day

I wish you health and strength, beauty—not only on the outside. As much patience as it takes to perfect the ideal eyeliner flick, and as much joy as finding the last pair of heels in your size on sale.

May your dreams come true, even the wildest ones—because a woman can do anything! May each day treat you like a queen, and may the world step aside for you (though we all know you’d manage just fine on your own).

Be happy, fulfilled, and surrounded by people who truly see how incredible you are! Sending you the warmest hugs—because if you do something, do it properly!

I’m so glad you’re here!

With heartfelt greetings,Izabela Lemańska

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