Oh! To be a woman. What does it mean to be a creature unlike any other? What is there to love about her? We asked some women these questions and they answered. Read what Black women had to say about womanhood.
In a society that is constantly evolving and changing to fit the times, what it means to be a woman has also transformed beyond what was the norm. So much so that our ancestors will have a hard time comprehending the nuances and unique nature of our present lives.
In 2023, who a woman is can no longer be defined by looks alone, and certainly not by career and expected roles. Physically, mentally and spiritually a woman is… Well, we’ll let the women speak for themselves.
Knowing your worth as a woman far supersedes what any other person thinks of you.
“I am enough.” – Temitope Dania
“I have all it takes to be the best in all I do.” – Bisayo BUSARI-AKINNADEJU
“I am authentically me. No one does it like I do it, and that’s my superpower. God and men show up for me…I must be a brand they’re happy to be associated with. Anyhow e be, we go run am. If Plan A doesn’t work, slide to Plan B. Motion is Lotion. Put your best foot forward each time. Keep showing up.” – Anonymous
“Always do what is right.” – Anonymous
‘I think, therefore I am. I am like a tree planted by the river side.’
“Those who win are those who think they can” – Anonymous
“I’m blessed, pretty and out of the mix. I can handle whatever life throws at me. No one is me and that is my superpower. My life is a miracle and I’m grateful for it.” – Dammy
“I am bold, I am blessed, and I am beautiful.” – Anonymous
“I can do anything, I am stronger than I can ever imagine, I am beautiful and accepted, I am the change my world needs, I love Jesus.”- Titilayo
“I can be whatever I want to be at any given time. I have the resources of growth within me therefore every obstacle only surges me towards my goal. I am at peace at all times. I do not have to be a superwoman at all times, I choose to rest when it’s needed.” – Deborah Achem
Sometimes it can get a little rough for a woman faced with a lot of things that weigh heavily on the heart, soul and body.
“Limitations that society has put on us.” – Temitope Dania
“Child Care, Gender Discrimination.” – Anonymous
“Having the feeling that men/boys have a higher advantage in all spheres of life. If I was a boy.” – Titilayo
“People look at you funny if you’re one to want/invest in professional / career development. They just expect you to be satisfied with getting paid for doing the same job year on year without growth, promotion etc. Like you shouldn’t aim for more within your chosen field…after all you’re earning. Some people are ok with that but some people want to achieve more and that should be ok too.
Then the stereotyping starts – you’re seen as pushy, never satisfied, they start to suspect and treat you like you have something up your sleeves (other than a healthy need to grow in your career every 4 years-ish).
Then sometimes, the question pops up: ‘How do you want to achieve that when you have/want children?’
As though you have to trade one success for the other for the rest of your life. Yet we want more women in the workplace, we want fathers participating more in childcare, we want to stop gender roles.” – Anonymous
“Resignation. To situations that require actions, to situations that make us uncomfortable, to people who add little or no value to our lives.” – Deborah Achem
“Ignorance.” – Anonymous
“Gender bias, especially the unspoken one. This occurs where people seem educated enough to know that gender should be the basis for discrimination but you see in their choices that a woman is still considered a subservient part of the society.” – Bisayo BUSARI-AKINNADEJU
“Men’s misogynistic attitude towards women.” – Dammy
“Feel women aren’t worthy of political leadership. And all women are bad drivers.” – Anonymous
“Equality” – Ibidun damien
“Low access to women who hold senior political positions in Nigeria and here in the U.S.A.” – Dr. Tomi Ademokun
“No career support for women. America does not allow flexibility for women, especially young mothers.” – Gachomo
“The cultural mentality that only men are superior has caused a lot of women to shorten their dreams and capacity.” – Anonymous
In spite of all of these setbacks, a woman chooses what to prioritize above all else and the truth to live by.
“The strength I possess.” – Anonymous
“My strength is in my heart. The heart of a good woman is deeper, wider and larger than the ocean. Full of love, compassion, intelligence and a great sense of judgment.” – Titilayo
“The gift/ability of bringing new life to the world.” – Anonymous
“We are mothers and mothers are known to be caring and supportive, one who loves to teach, inspire and encourage. The world cannot exist without we women.” – Ibidun damien
“You get to please God as a female.” – Anonymous
“The sense of beauty.” – Anonymous
“Being able to care for people and be cared for. Plus, I’m not stuck with t-shirts and trousers, I can be fashionable. Lol.” – Anonymous
“You can literally be anything. When you combine this with being your authentic self and walk into a room, you’ll command a certain power you won’t even be aware of. There’s such beauty in that!” – Anonymous
“It’s the ability to deal with situations from a strength that comes from willpower and within. My gender is beautiful.”
“Our brains are multi-dimensional. We are beyond strong and versatile.” Gachomo
“Our superpower of being able to multitask and to do it so seamlessly and beautifully.” – Dammy
“We’re deep thinkers and strategists.” – Temitope Dania
“Being a nurturer, a role model, assertive, strong yet kind and compassionate.” – Ifeoma Molobe
