What does it mean to be a woman?
The question of “what it means to be a woman?” is far more complex than it seems. When I explored other sources on this same topic, I encountered a variety of personal stories, societal norms, stereotypes, and scientific perspectives. Scientifically speaking, being a woman is often defined by having two X chromosomes and the “correct” biological features, but is that truly the answer? Is it simply having periods, hormones, breasts, and the potential for childbirth? In my health class, we were asked to identify men and women based on pictures, and it was easy because we associate certain physical traits with each gender. Women are often characterized as being curvier, and having smaller and softer features, while men are associated with broad shoulders, larger frames, and being taller. But does height or body size alone define a person’s gender? What if a woman is taller than average or a man is shorter than average — does that invalidate their identity?
I grew up in a household where gender roles were ingrained, and I always viewed Generation Z as the transition toward greater gender equality. For my father and many others, being a woman was associated with cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children. Some people believe that being a woman is tied to reproductive functions or serving as a mother or even a sex object. If not that, then we are called obscene names like “slut”. In many cases, we are used or seen in limited roles. I once read a blog where the writer explained how a woman in a leadership position is often labeled “bossy,” while a man in the same role is called “assertive.” These terms carry very different connotations, yet they are applied based on gender alone. Over time, these societal views have shaped what it means to be a woman or a man, ignoring biological realities in favor of stereotypes — men are expected to be emotionless and tough, while women are expected to be soft or polite, silent, and submissive. Despite these stereotypes, figures like Cleopatra and Elizabeth I shattered the notion that being a woman is what limits us; rather, it is society’s perception of women that creates barriers.
Just because you’re a man doesn’t mean you can’t cook or clean, and just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean you’re incapable of achieving greatness or pursuing a career. The belief that women need men to define their identity is false; while society often forces dependency, it’s important to recognize that we don’t actually need gender roles to succeed in areas like politics, finance, or science. Historically, women were financially and emotionally dependent on men, unable to make decisions without the oversight of a father, brother, or husband. Women were treated as objects, passed from one male guardian to another, and even my grandmother, who was married at 15, had no say in her life simply because she was a woman. She wasn’t praised for her achievements but for having five children and staying loyal to her husband, even after his death. Meanwhile, men in similar situations faced no social repercussions for infidelity.
Even my brothers, while they exhibit typical male traits, they still have a sensitive and emotional side, yet that doesn’t make them any less male. Ultimately, gender roles are societal constructs, and we need to move beyond them. People have taken their own lives because they couldn’t fit into the stereotypes assigned to their gender, but gender should not limit who we are. Stereotyping, whether by gender, race, or culture, creates barriers that hold humanity back. A small example is the stereotypical Indian accent is often inaccurate — India is home to hundreds of languages and dialects, and one’s accent depends on many factors, including education and geography. The same goes for stereotypes about African, Latino, and other groups.
These questions about gender arise because of the deep-seated inequalities in society. If we didn’t ask these questions, perhaps there would be no inequality. In the early days of humanity, everyone had to contribute equally for survival — gender didn’t matter then, and it shouldn’t now. Animals don’t question their gender roles; they adapt to their environment without concern for societal expectations. I look at my dog, and he doesn’t wonder what it means to be a male dog — he just lives happily with us. Life could be that simple for us, too, if we let it.
So, what about me and other women? Is there only one way to be a woman? I’m a small, 5-foot-1 Indian girl, sometimes a tomboy, who prefers loose clothes over dresses, can be feisty, and is obsessed with skincare and beauty. I’ve always been highly educated, having completed the IB program and constantly seeking to expand my knowledge. I don’t fit every stereotype of what it means to be a woman, but that doesn’t make me any less of one. Society’s expectations of women — wearing dresses, living for your husband, and playing dumb — have historically restricted our potential, even preventing us from participating in work. Many great influential women in history dressed simply because elaborate attire limited their ability to engage fully in life. Take, for example, Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, Barbara McClintock, Dorothy Hodgkin, and Jane Goodall — scientific pioneers, some of whom even earned Nobel Prizes for their remarkable contributions to society. Are these names familiar to you? Probably not. Their lives were far from easy, but they couldn’t change society in their time to achieve what they did. Without their immense sacrifice and hard work, much of modern science wouldn’t be where it is today. While some might argue that others could have eventually made the same discoveries, that’s a debate for another time. The important thing is that women have always made significant contributions, even if history has, at times, tried to overlook them.
This brings us to the question of the LGBTQ+ community: Where do they stand? My answer is clear: “With us, of course. They stand with us.” We are all part of society and every individual matters. Personal perspective should not be a question of whether they belong with us or not. They are alive and they have a life that is worth being respected. Judging someone by their actions is better than judging someone by who they are. I once read a story about a teacher working in a private school where gender was strictly regulated — everything from bathrooms to dressing rooms, classrooms, and even uniforms was divided by gender. One child, who biologically did not conform to a specific gender, challenged these rigid norms of separating men and women, even in education. While I believe safety measures like gender-separated restrooms should remain, I see no reason why students can’t interact freely in gym class or the classroom. This change, inspired by the presence of that non-binary child, unfolded naturally. Without them, change might have been forced rather than happening organically. In the end, the school changed for the better. While uniforms stayed, students were allowed to choose them based on who they believed they were, not on gender. Furthermore, students were able to interact more freely, creating a more inclusive environment. Whether gender should be strictly separated is a complex question, which I’ll explore in more detail in another blog.
In the end, we must learn to embrace who we are. Whether you’re a sensitive man or a tough woman, love yourself for who you are. There is no right or wrong way to express your gender, and that freedom is something we should all cherish.
