Tessa Green shares her thoughts on Women’s Month

Women’s rights advocate, a mother of two sons, a daughter, sister and friend to many social activists on the South Coast, Tessa Green shared what Women’s Month 2022 has taught her.

” I’m every woman, a businesswoman to the root of me. I was told a few months ago that I must start thinking like a capitalist and not with my heart, however, that would be a betrayal of who I am. I am a heart-inspired, service-driven entrepreneur and every business idea stems from it, no matter how unprofitable,” said Green

“I have noticed that as women we are lacking and falling short of reward for the celebration of Women’s Month. It should not just be about high teas, luncheons and empowerment conferences reserved for one month in the year and a day of honour. I believe we should be using our voices and positions every day to add to the awareness and advocate for the rights of women and the girl child.

She said this month has taught her that you cannot promote and empower only women. “If we continue to do so we will continue to have broken lives, broken homes, and broken communities, changing the mindsets of a future generation requires the promotion and empowerment of both genders.

Green said women should stop hosting luncheons, conferences or webinars just to give another woman inspiration and power to thrive, however, when she gets home into her private space and behind closed doors, the man in her life, who has not had the same transformation abuses her.

“The whole aim is then fruitless. If we want the objectification of women and girls to change, we need to start with the empowerment and transformation in the mindset of men and boys as well,” Green added.

“Throughout history from the dawn of time, women have been subjected to unthinkable abuse. Our bodies are a daily crime scene and our dignity is stripped and subjected to the power of most men, through my experience. We have done much in giving women the right to vote, to contract, a right to be a legal entity, and a right to stand up for our own lives and dreams.

Green said statistics show that across the world the highest and most lucrative business is that of sex trafficking and sex slavery which mostly is the commodity of females.

“More and more lives are snatched up and sent across borders to be sold into whatever fetish and desire money can buy. Today in our own streets, classrooms, and boardrooms females are forced to use their bodies to get ahead or to get rewarded or promoted. This silent threat is becoming a norm that we are so desensitized to that we no longer see the wickedness in it all. More and more young mothers are at school pregnant and or forced to give birth and leave their children to fend for themselves as they as mothers are still children themselves, selfish and wanting,” she added.

“Why should we be celebrated? Is it because we survive in an age of equality that is as good as the paper and policy it is written on? How much are we actually doing to better the lives and safety of women this month and all year round? Yes, we can report a crime, abuse, or harassment. However how many of those cases actually get investigated and justice prevailed?

Having worked in a network with other women, advocating for doing good for others, Green said her inspiration is her belief that she needs to help mould a generation, inspire a community and uplift and support a family.

” When you back a woman, you are backing every community, household and business in which she operates. By nature, we are pack driven. By nature, we are givers, carers and providers. Through the years women have always been the backbone of society and the upholder of family life and values. So if I can help a woman today to be all she can be, and to promote her in places she needs to be in, then I am happier for it, as it’s not just her that will benefit.”

Her advice to other women who have had their hearts and lives broken by any circumstance is: “Grief, depression, sadness, trauma, abuse, loss, and tragedy all impact our lives at one point or another. Do not rush the process. No matter how long it takes to allow yourself to go through the process. Healing and answers are not found in belittling someone on social media or character assassinate your once love in public.

“Your heart, your mind and your thoughts are the battles you are required to fight and the healing process does not start with a hashtag or upload. So challenge those circumstances and do not settle.” she added.

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