Introduction | The Windmill: Symbolism & Concepts

"When the wind of change blows, some build walls and others build windmills." (Chinese Proverb)

Welcome to our blog! This is where an alliance of women writers endeavor to energize, enlighten and empower womanhood. This is where you'll discover illuminating discourse, bold dialogue, and hot topics. You'll find reflections on women in history and inspiration from everyday women. And, this is where we honor the way women move with the winds of change towards hard-won progress.

We're grateful to have you here! You're an important part of this community. We welcome your input and feedback. And we invite you to share your personal experiences with us.

Last, but not least, we want to pay tribute to a symbol that's meaningful to us - the windmill. And, hopefully, you'll come to regard its significance as well.

Did you know that there are numerous women who feel a connection to the windmill? In fact, there's a variety of social platforms and stories dedicated to women and their windmills. For instance, the social media page, 'Windmill Tattoos For Women', can be found on Pinterest. And, then there's Belva Shelton, an Oklahoman woman who gained news coverage for publishing one windmill picture per day for two years. There's also Eudora Welty, an American short story writer, novelist and photographer who authored 'A Worn Path' - a story that underscores the life struggles of Phoenix Jackson, an elderly southern woman who was determined to buy a paper windmill for her grandchild. For Phoenix, the windmill represented hope for a better future.

We could go on and on. But, even so, studies by IRENA on the wind energy sector found that women's talents and insights are under-utilized in the wind energy sector, where women represent only 21% of the workforce. Are we surprised?

The windmill represents women splendidly. The windmill is the universal symbol of life, resilience, serenity, perseverance and self-sufficiency. It symbolizes transformation, preservation, and the balance between nature and human innovation. The windmill also exemplifies a harmonious relationship with nature as windmills operate by collaborating with natural forces rather than working against them, creating synergy with the environment. That's feminine energy at work.

Our windmill is not just a logo. It's our reminder that women turn struggle into strength and turn adversity into triumph. Just like windmills, women stand strong and steady - and even when raging winds roar our way, we turn them into life-force energy. So whenever you see our windmill, remember the power you bring to this world and let it inspire you to keep turning.

References

1) International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Wind Energy: A Gender Perspective, January 2020

2) Erika Wilson, Her View From Home, It Might Sound Funny, But Women Are Like Windmills

MECA ANGELI

Meca Angeli is a writer and artist. She has a background in gender studies and teaches courses in small business development.