I Am Woman

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In the beginning, I've never heard of this song. However, preparations for Melissa's talk for the International Women's Day celebration at work acquainted the women in the lab with the song.

As it turns out, in the 70s, the song "I Am Woman" (Helen Reddy and Ray Burton, Capitol Records) was the battle cry of the women's liberation movement in the developed countries. Forty years on, a lot has improved in terms of how much more visible women are in various fields dominated by men. However, the lyrics remain relevant because there are still many challenges faced by women in the workplace and in society (specially in very traditional and conservative societies).

The original lyrics are found below. 

I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore

And I know too much to go back an' pretend

'cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again

Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman

You can bend but never break me
'cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
'cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul

I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin' arms across the land
But I'm still an embryo
With a long long way to go
Until I make my brother understand

I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman

Happy International Women's Day!

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