International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, honours the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women worldwide. This day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. The theme for 2024 is ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress.’ In recognition of this important occasion, Brainfeed will be highlighting diverse perspectives and insights from women leaders in education.
In this context, we are pleased to present an article below by Anshu Malika Kumar, Life Science Educator and Intuitive Seeker, Blue Bells Model School, Gurugram.
So much buzz around about ‘alpha females’ left me pondering about how is it different from any other woman. As the world reels around ‘uber-feminists’ gliding on stilettos to vehemently voice for their rights in fits and throws, little it did we do to stop and look at life’s more subtle realities.
Glancing on an offbeat note at the nearby construction shack was a young struggling mother, multitasking with the overburdened load of concrete rubble to keep her kitchen fire burning. She was also gently nursing her young infant hidden in her ripped six-yard disguise of shame, crooning a lost tune to lull the baby to sleep.
Like Buddha’s awakening, this was mine too! Who could be more ‘alpha’ than her? She was a perfect picture of serenity, of being a nurturer yet displayed solid stoic strength with the message imprinted on her weathered copper face with a ‘never give up’ attitude. These are the hallmarks of finding the true spirit of womanhood, which is strength, and when sometimes you lose, it takes a ubiquitous route to surreptitiously find you.
This one’s for all to remember that you and you alone, are always more than enough. Our DNA has been incredibly crafted to be strong, intelligent, thoughtful, and caring. Of all the women around, whom I have known, be it my mother, mentors, each one has possessed this indomitable spirit of undefeated attitude in adversities and has taken life ‘full-on’. Most of them have had successful careers despite rigid working environments however they chose to enjoy work and also proved to be great homemakers.
All may have different perspectives about women but factually proven let me assure women have a multi-score point above men in terms of life-span, pain tolerance, emotional intelligence, health advantage over X-linked diseases, and can reproduce asexually.
This new quest to define a woman of today is as mystical as the story of ‘You Are Special’ by Max Lucado- a beautiful children’s book. The story takes place in a village inhabited by small wooden people, known as the Wemicks. The central character, Punchinello, is constantly being judged by the other Wemicks. The story defines the importance of not allowing ourselves to be held captive to the criticism or praise handed out by the people around us. Instead, we can get to a place where neither the criticism nor the praise sticks to us, and we are free to be who we were created to be.
The strength of faith and independence of spirit is also reflected in this one revolutionary quote of its time which says – “Among the teachings of the Lotus Sutra that of women attaining Buddha hood is foremost.” This reasserts the innate potential of women, fired with passion, emblazoned with an intuitive awareness of all that surrounds them as it transcends from common to extraordinary. Be the woman of today to sing our song above prejudices and judgments, using our voice to empower others to create a positive change. Break the glass ceiling to see the landscape changing into rainbow shades to spark our lives with our abilities to learn, live, and love.
For the Woman….
To be inspired by self and stare fear in the face
To keep my heart, open wild to chase the universe
As no one owes me but ‘me’
Coz I’m sacred, weightless, and free
The embryo is mine, I create life with pain
Grit engraved in my bones, dare not tie me in vain
For I am the Werewolf … ‘Alpha Female’
I am the Lotus Girl …‘Femme Fatale’
