Throughout history, strong women have achieved positions of power, led armies to victory and supported humanity. Women like Joan of Arc, Cleopatra, Marie Curie and Mother Theresa, to name a few. Yet this wasn’t the norm.
Strong women were feared. If they stepped outside of societal norms, that is the rules set by men, they were vilified, ostracised and sometimes burnt at the stake.
Why do we fear strong women? Are they a perceived threat or do they make us feel uncomfortable? Even today, when women have a lot more freedom than they ever had before, there is still a glass ceiling to break through.
Out of all the presidents and leaders of today’s world, very few are women. In the past, women’s roles and responsibilities were centred around the home and domestic duties. Though this has changed a lot and women have the right to vote and work when and how they please, a certain fear still exists around a strong woman.
Strong independent women appear threatening if they question the traditional roles that may be thrust upon them. Some men see them as bossy or interfering and are very quick to judge or criticise. Even the media buys into this narrative. Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, whatever you make think of her, was a leader who spoke out about issues that she believed in.
But the media chose to first criticise her, before they even listened to her message. From her accent and hairstyle to the clothes she wore, everyone had an opinion. How many men are judged for the colour of their ties or ill-fitting suits or whether they are going bald?
Why do we fear strong women when each one of us should aspire to step into that role? As women we can achieve remarkable things. We can run countries and corporations. We can create businesses and provide opportunities for others. We can create art and exhibit in galleries. We can run successful conferences and educate the collective.
We can write stories and plays, influence fashion trends, fight for human rights and justice, raise families and communities and create a future for ourselves and others.
We can also live life on our terms!
A strong woman raises others up and every one of us can do that. The artist, Madonna, recently won an award for Billboard Woman of the Year. In her speech she said that “As women we have to start appreciating our own worth and other’s worth. Seek out strong women to befriend, to align yourself with, to learn from, to collaborate with, to be inspired by and to support.”
Where then, do we find these strong women? I believe that they live within each of us. Though we may not realise this, as women we all have an inner strength, often much more than we give ourselves credit for. We have an incredible ability to love, nurture, show compassion and support. We are intelligent, fun, adventurous, quiet, studious, outgoing or more reserved. We are warm, caring, sensitive and emotional and have a huge array of gifts and talents.
Yet we downplay our achievements, stay small and keep quiet because we fear the opinions of others and their judgement. “Who am I to speak up, stand tall and rock the boat?” Well why not, I ask. Perhaps it’s time to change this. We all have one life and it can be an ordinary life or it can be an amazing one. I know which one I want!
So next time someone calls you a strong woman, thank them. Wear that badge proudly and own it. Write that book, travel to that foreign country, start a new business or commence that course and step into that strong woman that I know you are capable of being.
Yes some people will not like it and some will judge you, but we are not here to live their lives. Ignore the naysayers and those quick to criticise or tear you down. It is your life. Why not make it fun, fulfilling, creative and extraordinary?
Remember: Every. One. Of. Us is that strong woman. Perhaps it’s time for all of us to recognise this and step into that role.
Go out and Rock that damn boat!
With love,
Judy xxx
Ps. If you would like to read more about living life on your terms, you might like to purchase my book, “True Essence: Finding your authentic self without compromise.” This book explores the roles we have taken on in our lives, how we determine our self worth and how we can discover who we are really are. You can find it here.
Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.
References: Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash. Madonna’s speech shared on Facebook by Abbe May.