As for me, I was cuddled up on the couch with my family relishing in the tangible feeling of truth. Fact - occasionally I was distracted by the energy of my children, but mostly I was relishing.
Another fact, I didn't notice that only one speaker from the regular conference sessions was female. Like totally flew past my head. And when it was pointed out to me I thought, "Should I have noticed? Is this a big deal?" And then I guiltily thought, "I'm kind of glad only one women spoke because sometimes I get so caught up in their over-the-top smiley, move head side to side presentation that I stop listening." Which mostly means I suck as a person, and has nothing to do with these outstanding women.
I began researching the numbers of women who hold callings in the General Auxiliaries. There are 9. Nine women who lead the masses worldwide in Relief Society, Young Women's and Primary. There are approximately 360 men. In April of 2016, five women out of the nine spoke during General Conference (and yes, that includes the Women's session). In October of 2016, five out of the nine spoke as well. This means if you're a female holding a general auxiliary calling in the church there's a sixty percent chance you'll speak at general conference. What are the odds for the men? Well, the apostles usually speak once and the first presidency multiple times, which leaves approximately eight other speaking assignments open. Meaning there's a two percent chance a man in the Seventy, Presiding Bishopric, or Young Men's presidency will address us in general conference. So are the women called upon? Yes! The numbers don't lie. It also shows how efficient women are... because wow, we get the job done with nine! Would I want one of the apostles or the prophet to be replaced with a female speaker just to maintain balance, absolutely not. Now, if you have a problem with the large number of men in auxiliary callings versus women then I encourage you to pray, read the scriptures, and attend the temple so your heart may be reassured and strengthened regarding the need for the priesthood and the magnificent blessings accompanying it.
Should speakers be chosen based off of a female quota to fill, or by revelation? I think most of us would choose revelation. Plus, women are an intricate part of conference whether they're addressing us in person or not. Think of the many stories shared about women - strong, glorious, valiant women. During the Sunday morning session five out of the seven speakers relayed stories with women at the forefront. And since I'm on a math warpath, that's 70% of the talks in one single session. I'm sure there are many more but I'm just too lazy to count because the truth is I don't need numbers to prove how important women are to the church. I don't need women to speak at General Conference for my daughters to have a strong role model to look up to - because that's my job. I'm strong. Their grandmothers are strong. Their aunts are strong. Their great grandmothers were strong. And the women in their lives rock this world.
I can't remember one female speaker who spoke in General Conference when I was growing up. Not one. The only woman I can remember in this regard is my mother. My mother who turned on General Conference religiously every session and took notes. My mother who lived the gospel every.single.day.of. my.life.with.zero.excuses. And maybe one day she will speak at General Conference because she's that amazing, but if not - she's still enough.
My older sisters were enough.
Sister Hendry, Sister Wilkes, and Sister Sjostrand from primary were enough.
Sister Sanders, Sister Rhead, and Sister Tuttle from Young Women's were enough.
General Conference is a moment. A wonderful enlightening moment that I look forward to twice a year. But it's the women in my everyday life who were and are my role models.
So where were the women in General Conference? They were everywhere. But if you looked too hard you may have missed them.
