Growing up, I was told what a woman “should” be. A woman should be quiet. A woman should always serve. A woman should be strong but never too strong. A woman should sacrifice, endure, and keep her dreams tucked away for the sake of others.
For years, I carried those words like invisible chains. I thought that to be accepted, I had to fit neatly into this box society built for me. But as I grew older, I realized something important: womanhood is not one-size-fits-all. It’s not a role written by others; it’s a story I get to write for myself.
The Stereotypes I Had to Confront
I remember being told that women who are outspoken are “too forward.” That women who dream too big are “unrealistic.” That a woman’s worth is measured by how much she sacrifices for her family, often at the cost of herself.
These beliefs left me feeling guilty whenever I wanted more — more freedom, more ambition, more happiness. It felt like breaking free from those expectations meant betraying what it meant to be a “good woman.”
Rethinking Womanhood in My Words.
My turning point was when I understood that being a woman does not mean to make people feel okay by shrinking. It’s about growing to my fullness, my voice, my choices, my dreams.
To me, womanhood is courage. The bravery to say yes when some opportunity arises and the bravery to say no when something is not as per my values.
Womanhood is freedom. Liberation to be soft or hard, silent or noisy, old fashioned or contemporary, free of shame.
Womanhood is self-love. Since how do I fill other people when I never replenish myself?
Lessons From Other Women
Through this journey, I have witnessed women around me re-defining what it means to be a woman in their own manner. Others did it by starting up profitable businesses with children. Others by opting to remain single and lead their life the way they want it. Others because they were homemakers who infused love in all corners of their families.
And the fact is-- both of these women are valid. There is no one script. And there is no ideal variant of being a woman.
The importance of Breaking Stereotypes.
Whenever we break a stereotype, we leave a room to another woman to breathe. Whenever we open up and tell the truth about our stories, we make someone understand that he is not alone.
Such, I think, is the new definition of womanhood: a woman is whoever she wants to be.
Final Reflection
As I write this, I’m still learning, still unlearning, still reshaping what womanhood means for me. And maybe that’s the point — it’s not a final destination. It’s a journey of growth, freedom, and self-discovery.
So if you’ve ever felt pressured to fit into someone else’s version of womanhood, let this be your reminder: you are allowed to define it for yourself.
✅ Call to Action
Tell me — what stereotype about womanhood have you personally broken or redefined? Share your story in the comments. Your words might inspire another woman reading this. 💙
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