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Every woman should have a career of their own. It does not matter what it is - an engineer or a writer or a jewellery designer. What matters is that you find your niche and go forth.
Every woman should have a career of their own. It does not matter what it is – an engineer or a writer or a jewellery designer. What matters is that you find your niche and go forth.
I always used to wonder why my mother (who has worked for 28 years) and my aunt (who is a very successful architect) used to always tell me that I should work? I felt, what is the harm in being a mother and a housewife? A housewife has to work 24/7 without breaks. It is no easy task. The house needs to be dusted. The dishes in the sink need to be washed. The food needs to be cooked everyday and has to be different and delicious, and satisfy everyone’s taste palette. The bathrooms need to shine. The clothes need to be washed, ironed and folded away. The child’s homework needs to be done dillgently everyday. There is just so much work to be done everyday in the house. Then why did my Mom and my aunt always say that I needed a career of my own? Did they not value the housewife?
I was forced to follow their advice and I started working from home as my son was young. I am passionate about writing. I used to create imaginative write ups on varied topics ranging from history to geography to festivals for children. When I would write, I was in my own world; where simple words seemed to effortlessly flow, and ideas and pictures would transform into words. I forgot that I was a wife and a mother. I would research on exciting scientific experiments which kids could do at home; and I would imagine the kids reading my article and trying out the experiments. It was as if I could hear their laughter as steam flew out or something burst unexpectedly. I learnt like a kid while I was researching and writing. I was floating in the clouds and the keyboard was my feather pen or quill.
Then when my son grew up and would be in school whole day, I decided to start work full time. I had never worked in an office. At the age of 37 I joined office. Here also, my Mom and my aunt convinced me that it would be a nice change to go out and work. I was so nervous as I already had the duties of a housewife; and I would have to get dressed up and go to work outside five days a week. I was sure it would be a failure.
But today months later, I realized how much I love working in an office. I am a content writer for creating content for school kids. I love creating and checking passages. I explore topics like how to learn about myopia using a Christmas song; or a passage on what kind of water fishes like; or a story of a girl trying out eating insects in Hong Kong.
I love to smile and mingle with my co-workers. Before it was me, my neighbors and my family. But now I get to meet a whole new range of people; some of whom sometimes are very moody, some are mysterious, some are sweet, and some are just arrogant. I am learning to keep my nerves in check. I love to dress up and go to work. The best part of my morning, amidst making tiffins for my son and husband; is to select the dress I will wear and match it with accessories. It seems so royal. Its like dressing up in the Hallmark movies which I still watch as it takes me away to a fairy land.
My work has not only given me financial independence, but also I get more respect from others. People seem to listen to me now. I realized this is actually quite a mean way of the world where only if you work, then people like you and listen to you.
My work transports me to a world of my own. Here I use my education for a cause. I am able to set an example to my son that if you study, you will reap the rewards. When my boss praises me I feel a special joy. It feels like I am now a multi-tasked woman. My fears have vanished. I cherish every day. I work hard. When I get my salary, I sometimes use it to buy a dress (I feel like a princess in a dress) or jewellery from any lady who makes it on her own. I thus support another business woman.
I was an introvert and a very shy girl. Today also, people use me for their needs and betray my trust regularly. But I am grateful that I can not only do housework, but be a career woman. It is no easy job. Some days I just collapse after work and feed my son Maggi. Yes Maggi is famous because it helps you to make instant food on days when your body cannot move and it is tasty.
I am grateful to this Women’s Web providing me a place to air my ideas, and for motivating me to work. Each article I read on this platform inspires me and makes me proud to be a woman. They encouraged me to conquer my fears and start my career. They showed me that there are millions of women like me who face similar fear problems and they gave me solutions on how to conquer them. Take one step at a time. No matter what the gossip mongers say, step out and start any career. It will help you create a world of your own of which you will be equally proud of. You will be more powerful than any man. You won’t just be a career woman but also a housewife. Rise up and shine.
Image source: shutterstock
I love to write on women's issues. I strongly believe that every woman is capable of being more than just a homemaker. They are the leaders of our world. They can multi-task more read more...
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People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
14 years after her last feature film Dhobi Ghat, storyteller extraordinaire comes up with her new film, Laapataa Ladies, a must watch.
*Some spoilers alert*
Every religion around the world dictates terms to women. The onus is always on women to be ‘modest’ and cover their faces and bodies so men can’t be “tempted”, rather than on men to keep their eyes where they belong and behave like civilized beings. So much so that even rape has been excused on the grounds of women eating chowmein or ‘men will be men’. I think the best Hindi movie retort to this unwanted advice on ‘akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai’ (an alone woman is like an open jewellery box) came from Geet in Jab We Met – Kya aap gyan dene ke paise lete hain kyonki chillar nahin hain mere paas.
The premise of Laapataa Ladies is beautifully simple – two brides clad in the ghunghat that covers their identity get mixed up on a train. Within this Russian Doll, you get a comedy of errors, a story of getting lost, a commentary on patriarchy’s attitude towards women, a mystery, and a tale of finding oneself, all in one. Done with a mostly light touch that has you laughing and nodding along.
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