Happy International women’s day to every lady out there!
We finally reach another year celebrating our day.
Let’s take one minute to think through.
We are always compared to men. Is our real competition against men? Or is it against ourselves and other women?
This year’s theme is the I am Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights, #EACHFOREQUAL it is. Maybe not worldwide, but in some countries, women are considered better than men in almost every area. We, women, have came a long way in our battle in proving the world that we deserve one chance. That one particular chance in succeeding in being a girl, a wife, a mother, on top, being a woman.
“‘Equal’ doesn’t mean ‘identical’.
Saying women and men are equal doesn’t mean one is saying men and women have no differences. It simply means those differences should not translate to different levels of access to benefits and opportunities in society.” – unquote
Housewives are looked down as they don’t put money on the table. But can men repay them for their lifetime service and self sacrifice in bringing the happiness and a caring atmosphere for her family? I bet no man can survive one day in being a househusband.
Working women are struggling between home and work and yet she excels at it. However, she’s respected based on her paycheck and title. The bigger the paycheck and title, the greater interest in her ideas.
We are all aware that we are constantly judged repetitively on a daily basis. Have you ever felt that the respect you receive is proportionate on your level of beauty or whether you’ve the perfect body shape? Body shaming has been a taboo since the beginning of time. You are tagged with labels, too fat, too thin, too tall, too short, too hairy, severe acne condition, flawless face. We all have mirrors and we know who we are. The shocking truth is those labels are given by women themselves as they think they are in a competition.
Through where I’ve been since I graduated, I was always compared to other women but encouraged by men to thrive through better. I was insulted by women but was told by men that tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities.
My friends and colleagues have always had my support to do better even if that particular piece of advice is to my detriment. Believe it or not, during this evil time, selfless people still exist.
The fight for women’s rights has been ongoing since one can remember. Was it ever pointed out that maybe the problem isn’t about actually having our rights but rather how we take full advantage of the existing women’s rights?
We aren’t creating a revolution yet unless women change their competitive mindset and stop seeing each female as an enemy.
My entourage is witnessed to my revolution wave of women empowerment. I was told many times that i was a fool to promote women instead of seizing the opportunity and make myself shine bright. I condemn this opportunist behaviour as i firmly believe that your candle will never shine brighter in the dark tunnel until you help others light theirs.
On this note, hoping that 2020 will bring a healthier environment for women around women, don’t forget to say good morning or compliment your fellow colleagues at work. You might be surprised how fast you’ve judged someone.
Don’t forget to smile and embrace everything and turn it into something positive as it is believed that everything happens for a particular reason.
By Afsheen Nabiilah Nobeebux
