What does it mean to be a woman? I mean, is there a right or wrong answer when asking a woman herself? Defining modern womanhood is a bit controversial today. However, one major definition of a woman is “one who is defined by life’s struggles”…struggles in every aspect. Every day, women are faced with different struggles that men cannot even endure. And at the core of every woman’s similar or unfamiliar struggles, there is an immeasurable influence.
Women are faced with struggles against the constant competition over who’s more dominant at home and within the workplace, intolerable beauty standards, unusual “body goals” in the name of social media and plastic surgery. There is the struggle of wanting to have children, or not wanting any children at all, or the possibility of never being able to produce another human being into this world. Then there’s the struggle of dealing with family, friends, and even the outside world who may or not agree with your personal decisions as a woman. As a woman, some sort of debate always sparks. Our bodies, also known as our temples, our sexuality, our moods, our choice of clothing…have always sparked some sort of controversial debate. But why? Does everyone who feels it is their undeniable duty to comment and debate about women, know how it is to be a woman, or how it feels to be a woman? From being labeled beautiful to just an “object.” What does it mean to be a woman?
We experience the pains of childbirth, the pains of miscarrying, the pains of abuse, the fear of sexual assault, the norm of being inferior to men, the competition in the workplace, and the endurance of ongoing debates of what it means to really be a woman. Womanhood is more than just a 9 letter word, but more of a message of dignity and power. We are mothers, lovers, fighters, teachers, bosses, leaders, and believe me…the list goes on.
What being a woman means is so controversial today, to the point where some people actually view women as being unfamiliar in specific socially populated areas. And there are times where women are completely bashed or treated a particular way just because they are wearing the “skirt.” As women, we are creators of life who are capable of embodying masculine traits, such as doing yard work, or even mastering the art of construction or plumbing. But who said those are specifically made for men to do anyway? Yea, try again. Women are just as capable as men, whether it be at home, in society, or within the workplace. Believe, it is possible! When you think about it, and I mean hard enough, despite the controversial debate of men being more superior to women, women actually uphold significant roles such as managing a business/company, leading feminist or even non-feminist organizations, running countries, practicing law and medicine, building companies from the ground-up…shall I continue?
This is for the MEN….and don’t you ever get to thinking a woman is far less capable of completing a task requiring “masculinity” or a man’s “abilities” because that is when you fool yourselves. Women are occupying the unimaginable. Despite the constant rumors and labels plaguing society, being a woman means being patient, acquiring wisdom from life’s experiences and hardships, jumping hurdles almost every day…overcoming life’s obstacles. Womanhood is more than just a pretty face, with different body parts than a man. Womanhood is about determination, being ambitious, transforming dreams into reality, occupying freedom as necessary, and maintaining sophistication. Although not every woman has a state-of-the-art education, every woman does know what it is like to BE a woman every day. Women behold the tremendous power of building and establishing. We are stronger than fear. It is not easy, but it is definitely worth it all.
TO ALL MY BEAUTIFUL WOMEN READING THIS: You is Kind. You is Smart. You is Important.
No one ever asks us how it feels to be us. Let's tell them!
We are stupendous.
We are phenomenal.
We are colossal.
We are women!
...And WE ARE IMPORTANT!
