To Everyone Out There—Woman It Up!

This blog post has long been on my mind, but to post it out of the blue on any other day seemed plausible in context. But, as I write this today on International Women's Day, I wonder does it actually always have to be contextual for women to be applauded? 

Why can't we, for instance, commend women for being who they are, and who they want to be. By accepting their ideas, choices, and decisions without letting them conform to societal norms of what is 'approved' for this gender and what isn't.

As women, it is not uncommon for us to judge other women for making choices differently from what we would've done. And this has proliferated more hate and intolerance in the past, than love. Like why should it be anyone's business about what drives another woman to take certain decisions? It is inhuman and absolutely insensitive when we begin to think we are entitled to judge other ladies because we know 'better'. Whether women want to work/not work, wear makeup/no makeup, marry/not marry, have kids/not want to have kids, or even multitask/do a single chore at a time, it is imperative that we respect their decisions and just let them be. 

It is imperative that we digest the idea of feminism not being men-hating. Instead, it talks about propagating girl-love among women and creating a community of humans who stand in solidarity, regardless of gender and stereotypes. 

For decades, we've all been hollering about the 'bro code' of undying respect and camaraderie between men. It is now time for women to jump in on the 'girl tribe' bandwagon and emulate the same ethics of building, supporting, and holding other women's backs. It is true that women blossom under a man's appreciation, but women literally thrive  when other women cheer them on and rally for them. 

To all women, please do not indulge in men-hating or women-hating, or any hating for that matter. Accept it when a friend/colleague/family member/acquaintance chooses to do something of her own accord and support it when she needs that encouragement and validation. If we do not support our own kind and empower them through acceptance and respect, how can we then set the precedent for other men to follow through?

To everyone out there, who believe women have to always be resilient, sacrificing, compliant, and strong—throw that prejudice into the bin. Not only does it create labels for women to adhere to, but it also propagates an unhealthy culture of setting impossibly high benchmarks for women who aren't as empowered as other privileged women. Embrace the fact that maybe some ladies do not have it as easily as you do and that every human has a different threshold for pain and sacrifice. To be a woman is to be human. So, if ever anyone needs to stop being prejudiced or censorious of anyone's decisions, or simply needs a reality check, just tell then to WOMAN IT UP!