“She cried when they welcomed daughters into the world, aware that being a woman meant enduring a life filled with trials.” -Unknown Author
I often scoff at this sentiment. There’s nothing meek about being a woman. Women are fierce, resilient, and capable of achieving anything men can. My upbringing instilled this belief in my sister and me, and we chose partners who share this conviction. In today’s world, being a woman isn’t synonymous with hardship, as it once was—perhaps in the past, but not in our time. The prospect of having daughters today shouldn’t evoke fear.
Yet, when the ultrasound technician announced “it’s a girl,” and I exclaimed, “I knew it!” while exchanging joyful glances with my husband, a tiny voice in the back of my mind whispered “oh.” That “oh” felt like a heavy weight, acknowledging that I was bringing another girl into a world where, despite our strides in gender equality, the reality of being female still carries its burdens.
The stark truth is that we inhabit a society where misogyny persists—a reality that affects women everywhere, including here in America. My daughters will inevitably encounter relentless pressures about their appearance and self-worth, pressures that can lead even the most self-assured young girls down a troubling path. While we live in a relatively progressive city, overt sexism still lurks in the shadows.
A dear friend of mine once shared a quote that resonates deeply: the moment your child is born, a part of your heart exists outside your body forever. Now, I’ll have another daughter, and I can’t help but hope that if my husband and I nurture them well, our girls might forge a protective bond that enables them to fend off the harmful messages they’ll face. Perhaps they’ll grow up to find loving partners and raise children of their own, ideally with a little less anxiety than I carry.
Still, I find myself puzzled as I walk through the toy aisles at Target, where girl toys are predominantly pink and boy toys are blue. When I first learned of my daughter’s gender, I hesitated to share it, dreading the inevitable influx of stereotypical pink outfits and dolls. Whenever someone compliments my daughter’s beauty, I quickly add “and smart and strong.” Her beauty is undeniable—so striking that it often takes my breath away. I want her to embrace that beauty while also understanding that it doesn’t define her worth. I fear that she might grow up believing her value lies solely in her looks.
So, we’ll welcome two daughters. My husband, our friends, and family will do all they can to create a nurturing environment for them—instilling beliefs that they can achieve anything and that hard work knows no limits. We’ll share stories about powerful women and remarkable girls, encourage curiosity in STEM fields, and provide them with opportunities to explore their interests. Whether it’s playing with dolls or trucks, painting, or climbing trees, we’ll support their passions. We’ll teach them that the only princesses we expect them to be are warrior princesses, and we’ll remind them of their beauty, intelligence, and strength every single day. Our hope is that by lifting them up, we can help them navigate a world filled with negativity and come out stronger, champions of their own narratives.
And yet, as I prepare for this new chapter, my heart feels heavy. In just a few months, another piece of my heart will exist outside my body, and I can’t help but worry. I worry for my girls. I worry for the women they will become someday. The weight of these thoughts can be overwhelming—this unyielding trial of womanhood.
For more insights on parenting and the challenges women face, check out this related post. If you’re considering home insemination options, visit Make a Mom for reputable syringe kits. Also, the CDC provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
This article reflects on the trials of womanhood in a contemporary context, emphasizing the challenges that women, especially daughters, face in today’s society. It discusses the responsibilities of parents to empower their girls against societal pressures while acknowledging the inherent worries that come with raising daughters in a world still grappling with gender inequalities.
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