As I sit here on New Year’s Day, nestled with my husband and two daughters in our Airbnb in Athens, Greece, I find myself in a moment of reflection—quite literally. Behind me, the mirror at this desk captures the breathtaking Acropolis, a timeless symbol of civilization, perched majestically in the background. We visited the temple to Athena on our first full day of exploring. It’s extraordinary to think of this structure, built in honor of a goddess who triumphed over Poseidon himself, standing as a testament to her wisdom and foresight.
Athena’s victory was sealed by her gift to the city: the olive tree, practical and enduring, a symbol of peace and prosperity. Poseidon, on the other hand, offered saltwater—a dramatic but useless gesture. The story echoes themes of nurturing, foresight, and resourcefulness that are often overlooked or undervalued in modern times. Athena, like so many goddesses of ancient lore, was revered as a matriarch, a ruler, a symbol of wisdom and strength. Touring temple after temple dedicated to goddesses, I couldn’t help but wonder: where did we go wrong in modern society for women?
In ancient Greece, women played pivotal roles in mythology and worship. Goddesses weren’t just companions to male gods; they were leaders, creators, protectors. They shared in what we might call "equal divinity," embodying virtues and strengths that complemented and balanced those of their male counterparts. Yet, somewhere along the way, societies—including my own dear United States—chose a path of systemic oppression of women. We shifted from reverence to resistance, from honor to marginalization.
This trip has given me space to reflect not only on history but on our present reality. The United States, a global superpower and my home, has never elected a woman as president, from any party. This isn’t just about political milestones; it’s a symptom of a deeper issue: a world that continues to grapple with granting women full autonomy, safety, and respect. We see devastating rates of violence, including domestic violence, against women. We witness ingrained sexism in workplaces, media, and education. And in the realm of parenting, which is central to my work with Sarah Wells Brand and my book Go Ask Your Mothers, the disparities become glaringly clear.
Parenting is often viewed as a “women’s issue,” leading to systemic neglect in workplace policies, healthcare systems, and public discourse. In breastfeeding, for instance, women face stigma, inadequate support, and barriers in nearly every sphere, from workplaces that lack proper accommodations to public spaces where nursing moms are shamed. And yet, breastfeeding is our olive tree: deeply rooted in resilience, bearing the fruits of life, sustenance, and connection. Like Athena’s gift, it is practical and enduring, a symbol of hope and strength that nurtures not only families but society as a whole. It deserves reverence, not resistance.
When did the world decide that nurturing life, empowering families, and supporting women was less important than other pursuits? When did we stop seeing caregiving as leadership, as strength, as wisdom?
But here’s the glimmer of hope I hold onto as I sit with this view of Athena’s temple behind me: change is possible. Ancient Greece teaches us that societies can revere women as leaders and creators. The olive tree atop the Acropolis still stands, a symbol of endurance. And today, movements across the globe are working to restore balance, fight for equality, and uplift women in all their roles—from CEOs to stay-at-home moms, from politicians to breastfeeding advocates.
In my small business, I’ve always tried to embody these values. Our products are designed to make the lives of women—especially mothers—easier. They’re practical tools that say, “We see you. We honor you.” And with initiatives like support to breastfeeding justice organizations, milk banks and other advocacy activities, we’re not just supporting individual mothers; we’re aiming to uplift entire communities of women who deserve every ounce of support we can offer.
We are not powerless. Every policy pushed, every stigma shattered, every product thoughtfully designed for women to promote success in all places and spaces, is a stride toward reclaiming what was lost. It’s a call to honor what ancient societies knew: women are the backbone of civilization.
So as I sit here, gazing at the Acropolis and pondering the year ahead, I’m making a resolution. I’ll keep asking, where did we go wrong for women? But more importantly, I’ll keep asking, what are we going to do this year to set it right?
Sarah Wells is the author of Go Ask Your Mothers: One Simple Step for Managers to Support Working Moms for Team Success, and CEO & founder of a mission-driven brand empowering parents with innovative breastfeeding support products. She also leads the Otrera Collective, a mastermind supporting woman-owned small businesses. Sarah collaborates with Employee Resource Groups, management teams, and leadership events to help organizations foster supportive, thriving environments for working moms. Connect with Sarah through Substack, via LinkedIn or directly here.
