Women's Journey

A woman is a female human being, so goes the technical definition. But we all now, she is much more than that. "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts." Who can forget this famous quote from Shakespeare's "As you Like It"? Women, in particular, don many roles in their lifetime. Her conventional tasks included being a dutiful daughter, a trusted friend, a helpful wife, a caring mother, a resourceful aunt and, most importantly, a confidante. Initially, her journey began from her parent's house and ended in her husband's home. Taking care of her husband, watching over the household and bearing children was all that she did. Relegated to a lower position, her contributions have never been acknowledged. Their role as a nurturer was never meant to imply traits, such as competency, independence, leadership, assertiveness, and so on. The lopsided equations between men and women is the remains the main reason. In my perspective, mankind would have gone for a toss in the absence of female species. This has been true all along, although no one ever confessed it publicly.

Though gradually, the world has witnessed a role-reversal situation. It wouldn't be wrong to say that a paradigm shift is on its way. Stepping out of old robes, women of today are more confident, independent and have a say in almost everything. Altering identities, expanding horizons and changing labor scenes have made them stronger as far as work market goes. Not confined to traditional jobs of a caretaker, a nurse or a schoolteacher, women are taking up atypical paths. They venture out, and do not shy away from exploring the unknown. Business, entrepreneurship, science, astronomy, medicine and engineering are no more the sole bastions of men. With this change has come another transition, primarily, the way daughters are brought up these days. Discrimination is a thing of the past as they are reared and nurtured the same way sons are. A woman who desires to be a wife and mother doesn't do it out of any obligation or duty. Rather, she's free to choose and live her life on her own terms. Expectations, they say never die, but they can change, and they have in case of today's women. Fifty years back, women were expected to be perfect housewives, cooks, caretakers and bring up fine children. They went on with this singular purpose throughout their lives. But conditions have altered now, and for good. Their shortcomings are accepted as much as their perfections. She possesses a strong sense of self and character which, earlier, was conspicuous by its absence.

In our society, core identities have always been practically synonymous with our gender identities. Despite this phenomenon having deep roots, women strove hard to overcome this education and the negative attitudes they've been receiving. They have been successful in obliterating a certain "code of conduct" meant for them. Assertive, aggressive, self-sufficient and pro-active, traits like these, and more, are proof of the changing face of women.