In her shoes
What does it take to be a woman, to be a mother? I have heard that it is the epitome of the female species, something that the other gender could not comprehend, take away or repeat in any manner whatsoever. As a woman myself, being one is just awesome than ever.
Apart from the fancy things that we get to wear such as earrings, necklaces and flashy rings, being a woman has a good feel especially with the natural compassion that we feel for people - family or not. We have the curves that function not only as an aesthetic nature but for human life to take place inside us to be able bear offspring and in a sense procreating for a nation that needs good people to succeed.
Last Sunday I was present at two activities held in celebration for International Women's Month. Women, who were probably already mothers, all wore pink and danced to the beat of the music that seemed to accompany the sway of their hips. I was smiling outside, entertained at such rare talent. But at the back of my mind I could not help but question the guts one needs to be a woman.
Even if we claim to be in the era where equality dominates, there still exists a gap between men and women. Ever wonder why most of the executives in the boardroom are males? And why store attendants are always women? There is a disparity in economy because of gender no matter how hard it is denied. The symbol of power is still banked on men as the stronger one leaving women in positions that degrade them. Even in a young setting, gender discrimination is also evident. In elementary or primary school, women are not asked to do tasks that are heavy for those who do not believe of what the girl could do. It is always the boy who gets to be the star in Physical Education classes because they are given the chance. There is no apprehension when they show off their physical skills, unlike if a girl tries it.
I am not one yet, but I could say that the idea of being a mother is wonderful. It is the epitome of unconditional love but most of the time is taken for granted. Being a mom is a life of sacrifice: they let go of the life that they used to know, give up what they want in order to bring the best for their children. But some mothers manage to do all at once. That is woman power!
Recently, a group of boys tried to feel what it is to be in the shoes of the woman by wearing high heels in a parade while statements were worn around their necks. Most of the statements spoke of how women could also be in the position of males. There are also those who spoke against bullying on women. They might have looked funny. Nonetheless, they were able to tell a good message to the rest of the world. Because of their experience, they know now what it feels to be a woman, how to be looked at because of how society dictates them to be.
At the end of the walk most of them were already on their butts, begging for rest. They felt the pain of being a woman - being construed by the dictates of society and being a mother - easing the burden of the husband and the children.
So what does it entail to be a woman or a mother? A lot. That is why, we, females deserve all the respect in the world.
It isn't easy to be one.
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