#womensday #womenempowerment

Being YOURSELF is BeYOUtiful!

Posted on by sreeyal

Women fought for women’s rights [alongside men]:

https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/woman-suffrage for those of you who do not know the power behind.

Penning this with huge respect for those and the like.

Let’s see the other side of the coin.

About the women who destroy women- who tear women apart to satisfy their insecurities.

Do women always support women in day-to-day life? NO!

I say NO since that’s my experience. Is that a generalised NO? NO, it happens most of the time.

I’m getting into my experiences soon, but I’m more eager to discuss the public’s perspectives on women these days.

You are considered educated and modern solely on the basis of optics: the attire, the accessories, and the brands you adorn.

To those of you who are equally innocent, it means: a branded bag, high heels that kill your feet, chemicals outside, and silicone inside- that’s what I mean. The most abused word by women in this era is women’s empowerment.

If you don’t have either, what do people ask you? At:

Medical centers: Do you need a translator?

Female colleagues at work: Learn some fashion sense.

And these are the ones who scavenge around, with no major contributions at work. I wonder if they get paid for the work or for the extra fashion looks; if so, what do they actually do? Huh!

Acquaintances: Wouldn’t your family give you an option to upgrade your looks?

And since this is MY blog, I can write about MY journey alone: when you live abroad, outside of India, most of the “looks criticism” comes from your own ilk or those from the Sub-Continent, in my case. As such poor souls never heard about confidence in your work, thoughts, and being YOURSELF- being YOURSELF is BeYOUtiful! The West respects and accepts you as you are, or it will leave you alone, not to mess around; again, MY experience.

Here’s something we can do when someone gets asked why their looks haven’t changed? The answer is: we are busy building EQ (with IQ). Now don’t ask me what that is.

My family gives me time to upgrade my thought process. My family and my people- that’s my inner circle- and similar great minds respect me for what I am.

And to those this blog is aimed at– please know my inner circle is strong, diverse, and always growing. It’s time you change yourself for good. I’m writing this not in despair but in hope.

Learn to respect the grey hair, simple yet decent outlook, and wrinkles [when they arrive]- this is for the fortunate. Fortunate are those who take pride in and enjoy the privilege you are blessed with.

A hope where women would lift women.

PS: Again, this is not a generalised 100%- but the majority; I stress this forever.

DO We Need Women’s Day!

Posted on by sreeyal

I didn’t know Women’s Day existed until I left college.

{There was no need for it when you were raised with pride by parents, teachers, and influential personalities. But when you take a global perspective, you need people who lift women – they won’t always be women.) Dedicating one day might not solve any deep-rooted issues. However, many inspiring women have been part of our school curriculum and our lifestyles. In the wake of upheaval in Bangladesh politics, I travelled through the timeline of world politics, and South Asia has been inspirational.

Such political figures who stood tall are:

Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Margaret Thatcher (though not from South Asia), Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, and Sheikh Hasina.

Ms Bandaranaike: The world’s first female Prime Minister, taking office in (now) Sri Lanka.

Ms. Thatcher’s powerful phrase, “the lady’s not for turning.” This statement still evokes the same excitement.

Ms Gandhi: Commanding a vast, diverse nation through war, economic upheaval, and state emergencies.

Ms Butto: Came to be regarded as an icon for women’s rights due to her political success in a male-dominated society.

Ms. Hasina: Striving to lift her nation out of poverty and political instability through sustained development.

I’m not a politician, and I’m not here to dissect their political decisions or careers.

However, it’s disheartening to see the final wicket (about to) fall in Bangladesh.

I take a bow, ladies! Living in the same era is a blessing.

After this inspiring pep-visit, let’s rethink, do we need a Women’s Day?

Yes, despite those pockets of women’s growth in places, can you believe there are phone numbers for women to call if in an abusive situation in the bathrooms of a maternity ward in one of the most advanced nations in the West?

Not just culturally, but women need that support from the more equal men to show their mettle. Women don’t always lift women. Can we guarantee that, within a family, daughters and daughters-in-law are treated equally? So, it should be the responsibility of every human to treat everyone with respect and equality.

Women are still forced to have make-up outside and silicone/plastic inside- no one is forcing them perse, but that’s the mindset we are moving into. Women are judged on the careers they are in by their own women circles, groups, and treatment is not the same among women. Where are we heading?

Not one day, but every day, yes- the women I mentioned above are from influential families, and more women fought their way through from nothing- they are an inspiration; there is still hope.

Kudos to men who think and act like humans should. Until then, Women’s Day is just one day of celebration that helps the retail sector generate more sales: events for women, selling flowers at triple the price, and cards for that genre. And roll on until the next year.

Happy Women’s Day.

Happy Women’s Day

Posted on by sreeyal

Feminism isn’t a threat; it’s a need! Feminism doesn’t mean women being more equal; it represents true equality! Because of many such powerful, thoughtful women, now women can vote and are able to fight to prove their existence. ‘Equality and respect’ is the agenda.


The concept of surname/last name suggests we all are part of patriarchal societies, and in certain cultures, it’s still a struggle for a girl child to enjoy life. And in certain others, it’s a struggle for a female foetus to push her way out of a mother’s womb. It’s also strange that many support female prosperity and empowerment within their families, but not as societies! Me too is just another example of the same global scenario.


I should also remind fellow women to be bold and confident as they are! We don’t need plastic surgeries to be endowed or put makeup on to please others. Every human being looks beautiful with a smile on their face and empathy and love for others.


Anyway, I met a good friend after a gap. She looked brave and beautiful after a double mastectomy in early Jan. Not sure why three out of five I meet in the US have had or been diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to advanced medical research and technology, lives are saved. I’m even prouder of the women who are part of science, technology, self-defense, et al., and role models of exemplary nurture-building progressive societies. Such strong women are an inspiration. We want women to be bold mentally and strong physically. Happy women’s day! 

#womenpower #womensday