In a heartfelt essay marking International Women’s Day, actress and humanitarian Maria Collins shed light on the recent health challenges faced by two of her daughters. Known for her advocacy for women’s rights, Maria has a history of using her voice to address critical issues, from her own health decisions to the struggles women face in various sectors, including Hollywood. This year, she chose to highlight her daughters’ medical journeys in an impactful way.
“I spent the past couple of months navigating surgeries with my oldest daughter, and just days ago, I watched my younger daughter undergo a procedure for her hip,” Maria shared in her touching piece for a leading magazine. While she didn’t disclose which of her younger daughters experienced the surgery, it’s known that her oldest is named Lily, who is 15.
Maria emphasized that she was not infringing on her daughters’ privacy, as they had encouraged her to share their stories. “They recognize that facing health issues and striving to heal is a source of pride,” she noted. “I’ve witnessed their bond as they care for one another—my youngest daughter observed the nurses and then stepped in to help during the next visit.”
Despite their nurturing spirit, the girls also faced their own fears. “I watched them confront their anxieties with remarkable courage,” she reflected. “We all know those moments when we’re left to fend for ourselves, and we must simply breathe through the pain. It’s empowering to see them steady themselves to take that next step.”
While Maria acknowledged the support from their brothers, she took a moment on this International Women’s Day to focus on the lessons learned from her daughters and the young girls she has met globally.
She pointed out the tendency to expect selflessness from girls, noting a troubling societal pattern. “Someone remarked that my daughters’ caring nature is ‘natural for girls.’ I smiled, yet pondered how often this assumption leads to exploitation. Girls are conditioned to prioritize others over themselves, which can make them feel guilty for pursuing their own needs,” she wrote.
Maria stressed the importance of valuing and protecting young girls—not only against extreme violations of their rights but also against the subtle injustices that often go unnoticed. “Their instinct to nurture should be cherished, not taken for granted. As a society, we must do more to support them,” she urged.
Her ultimate vision is a world where girls are appreciated for their potential and strength. “Let us care for them. The stronger they become, the more they will contribute to their families and communities,” she concluded with a rallying cry for young women everywhere. “To all the girls out there: fight on. Your compassion for one another is vital. Stay strong, know your worth, and never allow anyone to diminish your value or equality.”
Maria is the proud mother of six children: Jack, 19; Max, 17; Lily, 15; Ella, 14; Sophie, 12; and Noah, 12. For further insights on this topic, you can check out this blog post or explore more resources at Make a Mom and CDC’s Infertility FAQs.
In summary, Maria Collins shared a deeply personal essay on International Women’s Day, detailing her daughters’ recent surgeries and the valuable lessons learned from their experiences. Highlighting the importance of nurturing girls’ strength and individuality, she called for society to better protect and appreciate them.
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