Turner Syndrome Foundation
Raising Daughters Now and Then
Today is Daughter’s Day 2021, a day in society where being a daughter and having a daughter means something completely different than it did even a few years ago.
Women are teaching their young daughters to use their voices. These daughters that we have both raised and become are some of the most inspiring and persuasive people. The funny thing about life is that you don’t need to physically have children to have a daughter. You can adopt a daughter, mentor a daughter, and befriend a daughter. Today we see women in diverse roles and leadership shaping the future voice of young girls.
Daughters Excel Over Time
We are witnessing women becoming some of the most educated people in America. For many generations before mine, and today in other parts of the world, women had to fight to get an education-a right that most of us take for granted. According to the Bureau Of Labor, in 1962, only 6.7% of women went to college and 38% of women worked. Since then, these statistics have changed dramatically. Now, 38.3% of women go to college (2020) and 71.2% of women work (2019).
This change in education and women in the workforce has transformed the landscape of female empowerment and independence. It has also highlighted the importance of women advocating for the rights and resources that many take for granted.
Because of this, we must teach today’s daughters to use their voices, stand up for what they believe in, and empower them to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Using the Past, Positivity, & Support to Aid Our Daughters
Women exhibit many strengths and have the capacity to pursue their unique goals in life. The best gift we can give to our daughters is a positive outlook on the future. The women who came before us are great examples.
We are fortunate to be a part of a community of daughters that understands what it is for woman with complex conditions. Having Turner Syndrome can be challenging, but surrounding oneself with healthy role models and mentors can help. We need to support each other, answer and ask questions, and show the world the bond we share cannot be broken.
I don’t yet have a daughter, but I hope if I ever do, she will see the beauty of being my daughter. The women before me are great models to start being who we want to be in life.
Daughters Are Taught to be Resilient and Strong
And one day she discovered that she was fierce and strong, and full of fire and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears. - Mark Anthony
“It was discovered I had Turner Syndrome at birth. I also had a coarctation of the aorta which was repaired at 12 days old. I am now 27 and studying to become a nurse!” - Emily Jensen
If you want to use your voice to support daughters and women, please consider signing the Turner Syndrome Awareness Petition to help legislators understand more about TS and show their support for this cause. By voicing your support more people will learn how important of a women’s cause this is for society.
Acknowledgements: This article was written by Shannon McGorty, writer and social media coordinator. Shannon McGorty is a double major at Monmouth University. She always roots for the underdog and looks to help as many people as she can. When she graduates, she is hoping to work in community relations.
The article was edited by Susan Herman, lead editor. Thank you for their contribution.
©Turner Syndrome Foundation 2021.
