March is Women’s History Month. On Sunday, March 8th women all over the world celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD). The theme for the day is #EachforEqual. This means that we are all responsible for our thoughts and actions – all day, every day. Each one of us can come together to help create a gender-equal world absent of stereotypes, biases, and perceptions of one another. I believe the only way to do this, would be to learn a little more about each other through outlets like interviews.
Sandra Riguzzi, founder and author of the blog, Sunday Morning with Sandy. On this site, she shares her life stories to inspire and empower others. As a mom of 5, she deals with many issues from child abuse, divorce, a child with down syndrome who also had cancer, [issues with] drugs, and so much more. By sharing her stories, she feels she can help others let them know they are not alone and hope to help whoever needs it.
International Women’s Day Interview:
Do you identify as being a woman? What does this question mean to you?
Yes, I identify as being a woman and have no problem with that question or anyone’s choice to be who they want to be. I have a daughter who is gay and in a relationship with a transgender man.
What is your special skill?
I believe my special skill is being a mom and writer.
What age group are you in?
I am 57 years of age.
What is your favorite thing about being a woman?
Currently, my favorite thing is watching the rise of women in the world. I want to see it continue and looking forward to the continuous rise.
Do you have any personal or professional insecurities that you think is from being a woman? Why?
I believe my insecurities are from being abused as a child and taken advantage of too many times by men and neglect from my father. So I would say that is from being a woman and victim.
Are there any assumptions about women that you would like to change? Why?
I would like to change the notion that we are the weaker sex under certain circumstances. We are not and can command a room only with more organization and strength than most men.
What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
Having our first female president.
Is there a woman who inspires you? Why?
It’s hard to choose between my mother and my daughters. My mother raised 4 kids on her own with no support while dealing with being a woman in the workforce. She has been through so much, volunteers, and is still there 100% for her children and grandchildren at 84 years old. She taught me strength.
Where is the furthest place you have traveled to? Why did you go there?
We recently went to Germany and Italy because my daughter went to study abroad. It was our first time using a passport.
What thing in your life has brought or given you the greatest satisfaction or fulfillment? If you could go back as far as you could, what time would you go to and what would you change?
I would say raising my children has given me the most satisfaction and fulfillment. They were my life for so long and everything revolved around them at my own choice. Second would be putting myself out there with my blog. I would not change a thing because I honestly believe then my kids would be different, I wouldn’t have met my husband, and had I not had the experiences that occurred, I would not be able to help others. I love my life the way it is.
I thank Sandra for participating in this International Women’s Day interview series. It is a pleasure getting to know her through these few questions. Her contribution to this theme shows us that she has overcome a few obstacles in her life and in the end, she appreciates all for who they truly are and not by what they believe in or what they stand for.
Follow and support Sandra on her blog, and social media sites: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
