Pansy Hamilton Brown, For The Guardian

Women were uniquely and lovingly created and given as precious gifts to the world. They are not only help mates to men. Women are not to be shadowed by men, for they have their personal contributions to make in the pursuit of a better world. Their talents and spiritual gifts are essential resources for building better relationships, and nurturing children. They should exhibit peace, joy, and self-management.

There are many women who yearn for appreciation and respect from their husbands, sons, and men in society at large. Every woman wears an invisible sign which reads: "Make me feel special." Many women long to get off the negative emotional wagon of men's perception of how they should be treated due to the misinterpretation of the expression, "women are the weaker vessels." All women want to be happy, stress-free. They want to be affirmed that they are precious and invaluable.

Married women are expected to replenish the world with reputable children as a gift to a hostile world. Unmarried women and those who do not have biological children, have no need to feel deficient, and unproductive.

Your efficiency and contribution to society must not be measured only by your ability or your choice to procreate. Whenever women are able to contribute the excellence of their talents, self-management, a positive approach to life in their communities the quality of life will be improved. Your commitment to your positive value system, and the ability to create change, are evidences that you are making sterling contributions that cannot be rewarded monetarily.

Here are a few lines from a literary writing called, "A letter from God to Women". "When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him, so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you. Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity. From one bone I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man's life. I chose the rib that protects his heart and his lungs. With this one bone, I shaped you beautifully and perfectly.

"You are strong yet delicate and fragile. You must support man as the rib cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head to be above him. You were taken from his side to stand beside him. You are my beautiful angel and a woman of excellence. I have held your heart close to my heart. You are special because you are an extension of me. Man represents my image, woman my emotions. Together, you represent the totality of God. So man ... treat women well. Love them, and respect them."

Women have the privilege to influence the moral and ethical conducts of their children and eventually the world. As they are given the distinct opportunity "to rock the cradle," they ultimately rule the world. Women whose lives are ordered, principled and values are established, can offer counseling and guidance in order to cultivate good family relationships, which will eventually positively influence our communities.

Although most women are bombarded with overwhelming home responsibilities, society anticipates unflinching loyalty to the communities in order to help resolve sensitive and threatening social ills. Social organizations depend on women to set the pace in terms of loyalty, organizational skills, foresight, enthusiasm and buoyancy for success in major ventures.

Those who are single by circumstances or by personal choice, have an obligation to respect their singleness, and be as proactive and charming in their characters as other women. Singles can be fantastic all by themselves. They can be the coveted employee in the workplace, the committed and devoted church member and the pride and joy of the community.

Without hesitation, single women in society should be recognized and treated similarly on special days, for they too have made tremendous contributions to the home establishment, and the world. Single women have the same emotional needs and wish to be recognized as married women. They also are very precious to society, for they live full and productive lives. They too, have the urgency to aspire to the limit of their potentials.

There should be advocates who will light candles for singles who have contributed to the development of people in all nations and classes of people. Women without borders are indeed precious gifts to the world as they "let the sunshine in."

May women everywhere, gain a better understanding of themselves, and may men determine to nourish, celebrate and accept the invaluable and precious gift of women in our world.

n Pansy Hamilton-Brown can be reached at P.O. Box N-10152 Nassau, Bahamas or pansyhamb@hotmai.com.