I am every Woman it’s all in me

According to UN Women, one in three women experience emotional, physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. These numbers were deduced long before the pandemic unfolded. Based on the increased number of calls made to domestic violence helplines over the past one year in most countries, it’s only logical to conclude that the pandemic has rendered women even more vulnerable to discrimination, oppression and abuse. A greater number of women are now being pushed back into the margins, resigned to punishing limitations thrust upon their freedom of expression, choices, dreams and aspirations. Undoubtedly, the boundary lines are non-negotiable and nailed in place by patriarchy and society.

But very often, it isn’t only a woman’s own unquestioning acceptance of these powers that prevents her from uncovering her full potential. Conniving self-doubt often gets in the way of decisions big and small—be it walking away from an abusive relationship; choosing to stay single; picking career over motherhood; giving up a fulfilling career to start an entrepreneurial venture; or simply listening to her heart and following a creative pursuit. Women are so often to told to show up for others and tone down their voices that they feel hounded by guilt and shame when they choose to prioritize their own needs above workplace and family.

Fortunately, despite the surge in stories of violence against women during lockdown, there were as many stories that trickled in as defiant counterpoint and momentous awakenings of buried desires and soulful yearnings. These are stories of women who are turning the lockdown into a transformative episode of catharsis and metamorphosis. There are no dimensions to size up the magnificence of their strides. Some of them have just taken the first exploratory steps, while others have launched into trapeze acts invested with daring and abandon. Both kinds hold up mirrors to the many dreams waiting to be unlocked in every woman, everywhere. The next awe-inspiring liberation could well be YOU!