#embraceequity#

What stops women from being whatever they want to be?

Quite a lot has been said about imposed barriers. What troubles me more than that is acceptance of those.

I am guilty of being judgmental in some cases where I perceived lack of ambition. I saw some of them as stuck in a comfort zone, with compliments and appreciation on being perfect role models – the dutiful daughter, worshipping wife, sympathetic sister or mollycoddling mother.

The real question is why should anything or anyone stop them from being happy if this is all they crave for. I still wonder if they know their potential, but that is what I think. The potential that I think about is their development as an individual, a professional, a business person, an artist or social activist. Maybe they’ve never wanted to be all that.

The IWD theme #embraceequity took me back to all these thoughts, and the articles I’ve been writing on the subject.

Is there a meeting point somewhere?

For those who wish to blossom to their full potential, the rules are not very different from those that for men. Except for the fact that shackles need to be surrendered voluntarily, not removed by someone else.

Research on meditation shows that it does not activate any part of the brain. It deactivates the posterior cingulate cortex – the centre for daydreaming, self-reflection and the wandering mind. How is this relevant to the topic of discussion?

I believe that the networks and influences that pull a woman towards traditional roles need to be deactivated to make a woman find herself. If she still wants to pursue traditional roles after this, her choice should be respected.

A homemaker may just want her burden to be reduced, or a little more recognition for her efforts. She may not want to give up her current role.

A professional may ask for a better work-life balance, rather than smashing the glass ceiling. She may want to quit early in life and do other things she always wanted to do. Who am I to judge her for that?

Feminism perhaps starts at the wrong end, by suggesting solutions. We need to provide free coaching services to help women identify what they want. Solutions will emerge thereafter.

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Friday Faithfuls at MLMM