Being feminine is much beyond a saree clad woman with long hair and jewellery

Hello my beautiful linkedin family,

Happy Navratri and Durga Pujo to all of you!

As we embrace the vibrant festival of Navratri, a time dedicated to celebrating the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Durga, it's essential to take a moment to reflect on our attitudes and behaviors towards women and on the misconceptions surrounding femininity.

This edition of my newsletter is dedicated to women who are navigating the challenges of gender-based discrimination, stereotyping, and sexualization in the workplace and society. It’s a space for you to learn coping mechanisms and self-care tools that safeguard your mental and emotional well-being. Let’s redefine what it means to be feminine—beyond the boxes that society has created.

Being feminine is a celebration of individuality and strength, transcending traditional stereotypes and societal expectations. It encompasses a wide range of expressions, from nurturing compassion to fierce independence. Embracing femininity means honoring one’s authentic self, allowing for emotional vulnerability while also asserting confidence and resilience. Being feminine is much beyond a saree clad woman with long hair and jewellery, feeling shy and smiling softly!! Being feminine is being authentic without any social conformity.

Based on my experience and awareness, these are the Top 3 biases women still face :-

1. Confidence Equals Aggression: Women who assert themselves are often labeled as aggressive, while similar behavior in men is seen as leadership.
2. Success is Unfeminine: Women are frequently judged for being ambitious or successful, leading to societal pressure to downplay their achievements.
3. Emotionality is a Weakness: Expressing compassion or vulnerability is often viewed as a lack of strength, reinforcing the idea that women should be stoic to be taken seriously.

Here are my Top 3 tips for women :-

1. Reframe Your Narrative: Own your achievements and voice your opinions confidently. Practice affirmations that highlight your strength and capabilities.
2. Embrace Your Emotions: Understand that emotional intelligence is a powerful asset. Use it to build connections and foster understanding, both personally and professionally.
3. Cultivate a Support Network: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who uplift you. Share experiences and strategies to challenge stereotypes together.

However, it wont be easy for women, if men don't grow in awareness and support the empowered women around them at home and workplace, isn't it?

Top 3 ways men can grow in awareness and create an inclusive relationship :-

1. Listen Actively: Make space for women’s voices in conversations. Seek to understand their experiences without judgment.
2. Challenge Stereotypes: Call out biases when you see them. Whether in the workplace or social settings, be an ally who supports equality.
3. Promote Flexibility: Advocate for solutions that recognize diverse working styles and emotional expressions. Support initiatives that empower all individuals to thrive.

In a world that often equates femininity with specific looks—like sarees, long hair, or traditional attire—it's essential to broaden that definition.

Being feminine isn’t confined to how we dress or style our hair; it’s about embracing qualities like strength, compassion, and resilience. It's about owning our identities, regardless of societal expectations. Each of us expresses our femininity in unique ways, whether through our careers, passions, or personal choices.

Let’s empower each other to break free from stereotypes and support one another in our journeys.

After all, femininity is about authenticity, not conformity.

To all the women reading this, what ways do you express your strength and confidence? Share your experiences!

To all the men reading this, what ways do you support and understand women in your daily lives? Share your experiences!