As I write this newsletter the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day has come and gone; a day commemorated through articles, events and the inevitable ongoing debates. Feminism and women's liberation had it's time and a lot was accomplished but the 21st century brings with it new challenges and different issues. From the outdated expectation of daughters that their mother & mother-in-law will be able to look after the grandchildren (when in fact today's working, socially active midlife woman doesn't have the time) to the harsh reality that a woman somewhere in the world is the victim of an honour killing or female genital mutilation.

When I started my coaching practice and online magazine the target demographic was midlife women. Over time that has changed with a gradual wearing away of the gap between the generations. We are becoming more aware of our commonalities as women instead of the differences. Even though our lifestyles couldn't be more dissimilar I enjoy enlightening conversations with a thirty something mother of three who I count as one of my close friends.

I am proud that my coaching clientele and magazine readership has outgrown its 'midlife' constraints. The future for women lies in supporting and listening to one another and in the breakdown of generational, social and cultural barriers. The realization that how we choose to walk in the world can make a difference to other women is exciting.

Postscript

We have lost Elizabeth Taylor; a woman who lived, loved and acted with gusto, grit and a natural sensuality plus that she was both entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Taylor started designing jewels for The Elizabeth Collection, creating fine jewellery with elegance and flair. She also launched three perfumes, "Passion", "White Diamonds", and "Black Pearls", which, together, earn an estimated US$200 million in annual sales.

She was one of the first public voices to speak up about the AIDS crisis while many others were silent in the 1980s.She helped start the American Foundation for AIDS Research after the death of her former co-star and friend, Rock Hudson. She also created her own AIDS foundation, the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation.

Perhaps Larry King said it best.

"She was a broad. She was gutsy. She had it all. You knew where you stood (with her). She was one of the ones who intimidated you . . . you knew when Elizabeth was in the room."