international women's day 2026: we're not in this alone
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we need to advocate for support for caregivers to make sure moms everywhere have access to resources, counselling and programs for their kids when they turn 18 (when there’s little available).
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some days, i’m really struggling with the pressure to do the best for my son. he’s on the more severe end of the autism spectrum and his challenges are compounded by intellectual delays. he paces and has a hard time sitting or staying on task at school, and i feel like there are many times when he withdraws into his mind where i can’t seem to get through to him. he’s also experienced some bullying that scares me because i worry about physical and lasting emotional harm.
there is so much to try to solve. what i know is that i can’t do it alone.
this is what international women’s day is recognizing in a big way with this year’s give to gain campaign. it highlights giving of your time, energy, skills or funds to help other women, and move the needle forward for gender equality. what does that mean for women’s health?
“one of the most encouraging things happening in women’s health right now is that women themselves are driving the momentum. we’re speaking up, comparing experiences, funding research and pushing institutions to do better,” amy flood, executive director of women’s health collective canada, said in an email to healthing. “that’s really what ‘give to gain’ looks like. women investing their voices, time and resources in each other.”
moms are primary caregivers
for me personally, it starts with flagging that the bulk of caregiving for kids with special needs usually falls on the moms. a friend who has a son much like mine says she’s the one responsible for her son’s therapy and school needs, along with extra learning and social opportunities like the swim lessons we had our boys participating in together. it’s not only the household organization and driving to get them places, it’s the mental energy to keep it all running smoothly, anticipating bumps along the way.
no wonder i’m tired. everyone has something going on that’s stressful and this is a significant one for me.
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there’s a facebook group that she told me to join for local supermoms of kids with autism. i don’t feel like a supermom, but that’s where i can give back. i know i feel better—even relieved—when i talk to other moms that face similar challenges. i need to get more involved in the local community of moms to support them emotionally with listening, laughter and tears (it happens and isn’t crying therapeutic)?
my son won’t take a date to prom
i remember sitting over coffee with a mom while our kids were in a behaviour therapy group in downtown toronto, and we were talking about the future and how it wouldn’t be typical, but that was okay. yet, we both teared up when we confided that our boys likely wouldn’t date or take someone to a high school prom (a memorable night for both of us back in the day). it’s okay to feel sad but sharing it with someone who completely relates is comforting.
no, i’m not alone in this.
women together are powerful changemakers
we need to advocate for support for caregivers to make sure moms everywhere have access to resources, counselling and programs for their kids when they turn 18 (when there’s little available).
as women, our voice is stronger together. the ripple effect is better health, mood and confidence that we can do the best for our kids—and we are doing it. progress for our kids may be baby steps followed by setbacks, but there are going to be wins. my son can ride a bike and skate and do basic math. that’s amazing to me! he helps me cook (with a lot of prompting) and is so good at the board game operation where you have tweezers to remove the problem parts in sam in the or.
thank you to the supermoms in my life. i’m going to do more for the caregivers in my community.
happy international women’s day!
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