I’m from a long line of strong women: a true matriarchal family. And it all starts with my grandmother. During WW II, she owned a shoe shop and was the leading lady of the family. My grandfather, a gentle soul, followed her willingly. If she couldn’t get her way immediately, she faked to be ill until others gave in. Her will was law.

From my mother’s side of the family, I also have strong-minded women.

My grandmother became a widow at the age of 39. Never again she accepted a man to be in her surroundings. The death of her husband scarred the entire family. Nonetheless, my mother grew up to be an ambitious young lady.

It is due to her that I became the person who I am now. I will always be grateful for her wise words: “never become dependent of another person.” This life lesson I also thought my children, because a good balance starts from the beginning.

In a personal relationship you can set your own ground rules. For instance: when raising our children, I took the lead in the week, but in the weekend my husband was in charge. We didn’t question this, it grew naturally.

I see the same thing happening with my son and his fiancé. He does all the chores in house while she studies and works all day.

Unfortunately, not in every aspect of life you find this kind of harmony.

I have witnessed a feminization of the profession of dentists. But women are still persona non grata at higher levels. Also in political, professional and social high levels you don’t see many women, some of them are even bullied out of the boards!

In these areas there is still a lot of inequality between men and women. But when I look at my children the respect they show each other and the openness of their minds, I remain hopeful.

Better days are coming…