Unveiling the Strength and Power of Womanhood
I’ve been praying to ‘Mata’ or the Divine Mother for the past 5 days, hoping to cultivate a greater sense of femininity within myself, but…
What Is It to Be a Woman in 2024?
No different from being a man, and yet, vastly different.
The fight to be “a woman” in a complex world of gender politics is real. In a capitalist, consumer-driven global economy, the experience of being a woman can range from exhilarating to tiresome, even lonely. But at the heart of it, the joy of being “a woman”—embracing beauty, intelligence, grace, and flaws—is one of the simplest and most satisfying truths.
Navratri takes us through the nine phases of being a woman. Each phase is both scary and joyful, reflecting the emotional, physical, and mental transformations that women navigate, often more than men. Only in my 30s have I begun to truly understand the power and dharma of living by my gender while fulfilling responsibilities.
How Do I Experience Womanhood in 2024?
There is no Prince Charming. There is a glass ceiling. But there is also one universal consciousness that balances both. In every era, a woman must love herself first. She must care for herself while caring for others, trust deeply, protect herself, and have faith in her own strength.
In 2024, I believe in creating my own world. Like Sri Ganesha’s parikrama around his parents, illustrating the difference between “the world” and “my world,” or Sridevi’s portrayal of “a small world in this big world” in English Vinglish, I know my world is mine to shape.
This empowering thought drives my consciousness: I am responsible for my inner peace, balance, harmony, and focus.
Is It Important to Be a Woman in 2024?
No. You can be anything you want. You aren’t bound by any theory or concept of what you “should” be.
Why I Choose to Be a Woman in 2024
Throughout my life, I have endeavored to cultivate the nurturing qualities of compassion and kindness within myself. When I can manifest these qualities in the world, I feel a sense of connection to something greater.
I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by women worldwide. The tragic case of Bhanwari Devi, a social worker who was brutally assaulted for her efforts to prevent child marriage, serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive injustices women often endure. Her ordeal led to the landmark Vishakha Guidelines, which provided crucial definitions and guidelines for addressing sexual harassment in the workplace.
My recent participation in POSH certification training underscored the collective responsibility we bear as women to create a safe and supportive environment for one another. While the stories shared during the training were harrowing, we must transcend fear and judgment to build a more equitable future.
In spaces like the Gurudwara, where men and women are treated with equal dignity and respect, I experience a sense of wholeness and belonging.
Am I Happy Being a Woman in 2024?
To be honest, India and the world felt safer in the early 2000s. I pray for a future where we regain that sense of security, discipline, and psychological safety. Whether it feels post-apocalyptic, like a chaotic sweatshop, or like a new-age, sustainable, tech-driven life—this world is still my world. ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the ancient Indian philosophy that means ‘the world is one family,’ reminds me that we are all connected.
In 2024, I remain optimistic, not just for myself but for the women, men, and children around me. I believe in my ability to create a beautiful space. And in that world, being a woman is not just enough—it’s a profound, powerful choice.
