International Women’s Day (8th March) is, obviously, a day to celebrate women! Whether it’s for women to leave words of affirmation, to commemorate various achievements by women or even just to celebrate being a woman, it is a day for women!
But, local influencer Jenn Chia (soimjenn) had a different epiphany. Instead of focusing only on women, Jenn thanked her partner and fiancé Jon Liddell for all his support. Because of certain misogynistic men in her life, Jenn realised that she would not have easily gotten as far as she has, if not for her partner!
Jenn’s video wishing Jon “Happy International Women’s Day” startled many, including Jon himself. He simply could not understand why Jenn was wishing him when it was supposed to be a day about women. “Because International Women’s Day is about celebrating and commemorating women’s accomplishments,” she explained. “And I feel like you supported me in my journey of becoming a strong woman.”
Jenn’s caption too echoed the same sentiment: “To the men behind strong women, who challenge us to do better, to do what men do in heels, who support us in chasing our dreams, respect us and our rights, who aren’t afraid of embracing your femininity, this day we celebrate together. ❤️” The local influencer acknowledged that without Jon’s respect, it would have been much harder for her to accomplish things.
In her Instagram Story, she later explained how she had arrived at that conclusion. “I’ve dated men who were threatened by who I am and (were) constantly shutting me down for being a woman with opinions and will,” Jenn shared. Jenn understood that these men who had no support or respect for her would have ended up dragging her down.
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Of course, she didn’t leave her followers high and dry with only that statement. Jenn shared some memorable instances where men were openly and blatantly misogynistic towards her. Someone she had dated apparently once told her: “Oh, you know, you’re a woman, you shouldn’t be so ambitious. I want a kid you know. You need to be at home (to) take care of the kid.” Cue Jenn’s horrified and disgusted expression.
She’s also been talked down to at events. A guy has actually asked her: “If your vagina doesn’t work anymore, how do you make your man happy?” “If I need to make my man happy, then I’m not in the right relationship, man!” she retorted. Jenn firmly explained that they should be happy as individuals to come together as a couple and have a successful relationship. “It has nothing to do with my vagina, bro. You sexist piece of shit,” she added waspishly.
An event organiser even refused to acknowledge Jenn once, despite her covering an event. “I tell him what my plans are, he ignored me completely. In front of Jon!” she exclaimed. “It’s like, a few of us there, and he just kept talking to Jon. His (eyes) just looked at Jon.” It took Jenn speaking professionally and seriously to the organiser to get him to actually work with her.
Jenn has always been open to sharing stories about the toxic relationships she’s had which helps others put their own relationships in perspective. So, we can certainly see why Jenn is extremely grateful to Jon and other men like him. After all, she would know best, thanks her previous unhealthy relationships with men.
Perhaps we too should take some time to thanks these rare but treasured men in our lives. Quoting Jenn: “This day, we celebrate together.”
@hypemalaysia Jenn Chia shares a few memorable instances where men were sexist towards her. (Source: @soimjenn IG Story)
Source: Instagram
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