The Expression Hub

“There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish.”

Michelle Obama

People say it is a superpower to be a woman, After all, a woman has the strength to handle things single-handedly in a manner that no one can manage. After all she is expected to perform a lot of roles. If she is a homemaker, for instance and is living with her in-laws after marriage, she is expected to cater to the needs of all the members in the family without getting tired. Her day can start as early as 4 or 5 in the morning and finish late in the night. Thus putting a blind eye to the so called concept of ‘me time’ because where does she get the time to have some time out for herself? The moment she sits down or wants to sit down to rest for sometime, someone or the other will make some or the other demand which snatches the same. This is despite the fact that others can get the job done by themselves. This is not a scene in every household I will say but this is what can be expected in a household with a patriarchal mindset. Majority of the households in India belong to this category where women are not respected nor are they viewed equally as their male counterparts. Women too feeling helpless become cogs in the wheel of the same thought process instead of standing up for themselves and ultimately pass down the same to their daughters and sometimes even granddaughters.

It is not supposed to be in the nature of a woman to question the social norms.They are just supposed to act the way they are told . If they question they are termed as outspoken or way too rebellious. How many of us have actually experienced this? Being a woman raised in somewhat patriarchal society I have faced this first hand. Maybe that is the reason why I haven’t conformed myself to the societal bias. Personally speaking I do not find it wrong because I am a woman who is more capable by being a single than being dependent on someone. I am a firm advocate of gender equality though some people might call me a radical feminist also. But I am okay with the tags as I personally feel that there should be proper division of work in all spheres of life. So, dear men if you think your homemaker wife does not do anything and just laze around watching TV try putting yourself in her shoes one day. Or if you think that your female colleagues are less deserving than you please think again. They are much smarter than you guys just don’t show it .And maybe there’s a problem with your mindset which thinks that she lands the projects just because of her looks then you are dead wrong. Girls and women put in double double hours and have the ability to get the work done .

But there are men who have been incredible role models and have supported their wives or other female family members of their family. Kudos and hats off to them for being a ray of hope and a spark of light and being the harbingers of equality. It is because of you that we women somewhat find the strength to fight our battles as well. It is because of you that we women think of breaking the societal norms as well as the glass ceiling. Thanks to you that we aspire to be the best version of ourselves. So, I do think you guys deserve credit too. As for the men who are still stuck in the mindset that a woman should only take care of you maybe it is high time you wake up and change yourselves as times are changing. This is because if you ever have a daughter and you do want to be a superhero after all daughters do look upon their dads as their superheroes and if their dad advocates some old fashioned thought then better be ready for a huge lecture on feminism especially if the daughter is a badass or of progressive thought process;0. So, dear parents teach your daughters that it is important to gain the practical skills of life first and then look for a life partner who stands by your thought process and supports you in all endeavors and if shit is thrown your way it is not okay to tolerate it. But instead learn to speak up. A lot of times it has been observed that women do not speak up or are silenced either by their family members or by their partners. Why so? Why should a woman make unnecessary compromises or adjustments even though it might not be good for her mental and physical health? So, this women’s month promise to keep your women in good shape physically and mentally. After all, women are the skilled architect of society.