I read Randy Ellis's letter (Gazette, March 17) praising Mother's Day above International Women's Day and it left me with two questions. Why does he see this as a contest between two very separate, very different observed days? More than that, why does he think his family's choice about how to raise their family is the one best way, and the choices of his neighbours aren't worthy of honour?
International Women's Day goes beyond Mother's Day by not only celebrating the successes of women's lives, but pointing out the continued need for change in the way our society values women and helps them reach their goals. Affordable child care, equal pay, access to education, and freedom from all forms of sexual harassment are all issues which women still seek.
And as for his assertion that "women were created to do the work men can't do," beyond gestation and lactation, men can and do perform all other parenting tasks. Parenting is essential, important, hard work. I was a stay at home mom raising four kids, and I didn't do it alone.
I value International Women's Day more than Mother's Day because I want equality and opportunity for all four of my kids, and I want that more than I want more greeting cards, bouquets, and breakfasts in bed.
Kathy Put, St. Albert
