Why I love being a Woman: An extension to Essence’s list of the reasons to love being a Black woman. By Erica Rose

For Essence Magazine’s July 2010 issue, one of the themes was “50 Reasons Why Black Women Rule”. Some of the reasons given were the exotic features African American women possess, the silhouette of their bodies, and the fact that Black women have overcome many boundaries such as gaining access to the White House. As a Black woman, I am flattered but I would like to extend the invitation to all women and to express why we are all excellent. So here are my 10 reasons why everyone should love women:

1. Women come in all different shapes, sizes, and shades.
2. We look good in suits, dresses, and our underwear.
3. The stretch-marks women gain during pregnancy signifies that they have brought life into the world.
4. In history, we have been the strength and voice of reason during trying times.
5. We have the ability to work long hours at work, and still come home to do homework with our children.
6. We overcome ideologies that “women can’t” by exceeding expectations.
7. Women have a rhythm and smoothness in their walk that is difficult for men to imitate, but it comes so natural to us.
8. Whether we choose to be dainty or blunt, women get their point across.
9. Whatever hairstyles women choose, long hair or no hair, our womanhood still shines through.
10. When tragedy strikes around us, we have the power to put everyone at ease.