स्त्री (STREE)

Written by: Sarisha Jaggi

The male dominated society has always regarded women as just homemakers or means of reproducing yet another generation of a patriarchy. Whether it is in terms of political systems or inheritance of property, women have always been mistreated in aspects that aren’t ‘conventional’ for them. Even today, women get passed on job offers simply because they’re of the so-called ‘child-bearing age’ or may get married soon. At times, the highest positions in the office are simply not offered to women as they are expected by the patriarchy to turn back and take care of children or husbands, or because they are not expected to be adept.

It is a misconception that their personal life becomes a hindrance to their work life simply because they are married or have kids. The concept of a glass ceiling is very common but awareness of it is a rare sight. It refers to how the same increments, promotions and appreciation for working women is way more difficult than for men. Let's be clear about one thing, in this day and age, men can ALSO be homemakers and if they're still offered jobs with a newborn in the house, why aren't women given the same opportunity?

Despite several years of women breaking stereotypes and showcasing to the world that they are, in fact, equally capable of working in a patriarchal society, women still tend to be held as inferior and their intellect is often questioned. From being shamed for working after marriage, to being forced to sacrifice their working lives because they should be 'focusing on building a family', women are very casually called flippant and labelled for no apparent reason. Society expects them to multi-task and still be subordinate to most male coworkers. Irrespective of how far we have come and all we have achieved, women continue to be criticised, called ‘pushy’, ‘dominant’ or ‘a nag'. Society continues to hold a grudge against them for it. Women in STEM careers are often questioned for not sticking to the supposed ‘creative lane’ that they are expected to be proficient at.

However, it must also be noted that despite all these setbacks, women are still earning and thriving. You see, if period cramps can’t take us down, no shape or form of patriarchy ever could. Simply put, we're designed to surprise and deliver, pun intended <3

Like Maya Agelou said, “I’m a woman. Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me,” We really are a phenomenal species who can accomplish any task we set our minds to. Whether it's becoming visionaries in the science field, cooks that MasterChef would die to have on their show or being the best mothers on the planet, we excel at it. Anyone who fails to see that needs another fact check.

What the patriarchal society these days fails to notice is that despite being pushed down for centuries, women have only risen beyond their beliefs. They have broken down all misconceptions and pre-set boundaries. Even if it comes with the difficulties of constantly proving ourselves wherever we go and fear of our safety, I love being a part of this side of the gender spectrum completely.

“I am woman, I am fearless

I am sexy, I'm divine

I'm unbeatable, I'm creative

Honey, you can get in line

I am feminine, I am masculine

I am anything I want.”

-Emmy Meli