Let’s rediscover the essence of womanhood

Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day is marked by loud calls for empowerment, equality, and women’s rights. Speeches, rallies, and social media campaigns focus on breaking barriers, increasing female representation in leadership, and closing the gender pay gap.

While these conversations are vital, there is a growing sense that the deeper essence of womanhood is being overlooked.

The unique and intrinsic qualities that define feminine strength like grace, empathy, emotional intelligence and authenticity are often cast aside as outdated or weak.  

Feminism today is frequently framed through the lens of external power – economic independence, political influence and professional success. The dominant narrative suggests that to be empowered, women must match or surpass men in traditionally male-dominated spheres.

However, this narrow definition of strength has led to a dangerous imbalance, and in the process, many women feel pressured to suppress their natural instincts out of the fear of being perceived as weak or ineffective.  

But psychology tells us otherwise. A truly empowered woman is not one who mirrors masculine traits, but one who confidently embodies her authentic self.

According to research, truly decent women are marked by several key traits. These include authenticity, integrity, empathy, emotional intelligence, and self-respect.

These are not just soft skills. A woman who is emotionally grounded and self-aware can navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace.  

For instance, authenticity allows women to align their actions with their values. A woman who knows who she is and refuses to compromise her principles is difficult to manipulate or intimidate.

Integrity builds trust and respect, not just in personal relationships but also in professional settings. Emotional intelligence enables women to defuse conflict, foster collaboration, and lead with compassion.  

Empathy is often undervalued in modern society. In competitive environments, emotional connection is seen as a liability rather than an asset.

However, the ability to understand and respond to others’ feelings is what makes women uniquely effective in leadership and relationship-building. A woman who can balance strength with compassion commands respect without resorting to aggression.  

The problem with modern empowerment narratives is that they often overlook these intrinsic qualities. Strength is frequently equated with dominance, success with aggression, and independence with isolation.

As a result, women are encouraged to harden themselves to survive in male-dominated spaces. But true empowerment requires embracing the full spectrum of feminine strengths.  

Take the example of emotional resilience. A woman who can navigate setbacks with grace and maintain her composure under pressure demonstrates a strength that no title or paycheck can replicate.

This type of resilience stems from a deep sense of self-awareness and inner peace.  

A decent woman knows her worth and sets boundaries accordingly. She does not tolerate disrespect or manipulation because her sense of value is rooted in self-respect rather than external validation.

This quiet confidence allows her to command authority without arrogance.

The modern feminist movement would benefit from shifting its focus back to these foundational traits.

While fighting for equal pay and political representation is crucial, it is equally important to celebrate and cultivate the innate strengths that define womanhood. Women do not need to mimic male models of power to succeed.  

Empowerment is not about becoming louder or more aggressive. It is about rejecting the notion that feminine strength is secondary to masculine strength. True empowerment lies in a woman’s ability to embrace her emotional depth, maintain her integrity, and lead with empathy and grace.  

It is time for women to look inward. The path to true strength does not lie in competing with men or conforming to external expectations. It lies in rediscovering the essence of womanhood. True power comes not from dominance, but from the quiet confidence of knowing one’s worth and embracing it unapologetically. A woman’s credibility and value is not on outward appearances but on strength of character.

The writer is a communication expert and public policy analyst

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