When a high school teacher remarks that your outfit is distracting to the boys in class. When a college professor jots down “brunette” next to your name solely to remember your appearance. When you attend a single audition in Los Angeles at the age of 18, a size 2, and hear someone declare, “Well, you’re definitely plus-size.”
When you kindly turn down an invitation to leave with someone who just bought you a drink, only to be labeled as a “tease” or “dumb bimbo” — as if that $6 drink gives them license to your body. When pretending to wear a wedding ring or saying you’re waiting for someone becomes a strategy to escape unwanted advances, because the only way to say no is to present yourself as someone else’s property.
When an elevator ride feels tense because an unknown man steps on and you instinctively brace yourself, hoping he doesn’t exit with you. When you conceal the cover of a book by your favorite female comedian to avoid hearing yet another stranger assert that “women just aren’t funny.”
In the early stages of your career, when your boss decides that promoting you — his assistant — would be a “waste of a promotion,” instead giving it to a younger male colleague who only holds a Bachelor’s degree while you possess both a BA and an MA. When he casually mentions that you remind him of his daughter during a meeting.
In executive meetings, where a male coworker two ranks above you explains a project you spearheaded for two years, as if you’re not even in the room. Watching male colleagues ascend the corporate ladder while you remain overlooked, despite your relentless hard work. When you’re asked to coach a male peer in his new role, questioning why your growth should take a backseat to someone else’s.
Returning to work just ten weeks after giving birth, exhausted and managing milk leaks, because financial stability is paramount for your family. On international calls while pumping in a dim room, praying no one inquires about the background noise. Feeling defeated as you pump in an airport restroom, only to weep as you discard precious milk.
Engaging in conversation with a CEO who dismisses Sheryl Sandberg’s perspective, labeling her disingenuous for having two nannies — while he enjoys the luxury of a stay-at-home spouse and help with his children. When you find yourself having to defend your basic right to make healthcare choices, as men in various roles assert their authority over women’s bodies.
Deciding against getting your birth control refill early due to the copay, only to be condescended to by a pharmacist suggesting that it’s “not as expensive as a baby.” Rejoicing when the Affordable Care Act takes effect, granting you a $60 monthly savings on the necessary birth control due to a history of breast tumors. Facing insurance hurdles when they deny a claim for a mammogram, simply because of your age.
This is what it is to be a mother, a daughter, a wife, a girl. A woman. For more insights on navigating these challenges, explore our other blog post here. If you’re interested in at-home insemination solutions, check out this reputable retailer for syringe kits. For further guidance on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource.
In summary, the experiences of women in a patriarchal society are filled with challenges and inequities that are often overlooked. From professional hurdles to personal struggles, the journey highlights the need for continued advocacy and support.