Smash the Mould

The conflict between pink and blue is not just about the colours, but also about the expectations and roles that society places on each gender. Pink is frequently linked to tenderness, nurturing, and domesticity, whereas the colour blue is frequently connected with power, intelligence, and independence. These prejudices restrict people's potential and may have a long-lasting effect on their life.

Why can’t pink stand for strength, intelligence, and independence? And why can’t blue represent domesticity or nutrition?

Some people are still trying to find an answer to this. Some people discovered the solution in their own lives, broke every rule, and set an example for others.

Priya, a school student

I recall hearing advice as a child to keep quiet, avoid becoming overly competitive, and prioritize appearance and manners. These expectations kept me in my limited place. So, when I started school, I decided to break those stereotypes. I did not back down. I also got involved in sports and other pursuits often reserved for boys, including robotics and soccer.

One of the major obstacles I had to overcome was the misogyny of my peers. Girls would comment that I was "too much" or that I should "tone it down," while the boys in my class would frequently make fun of me for being overly competitive or "bossy." But I refused to let their insults affect me. I refused to allow other people's judgements to hold me back since I was confident that I could accomplish everything I set my mind to.

Through my determination and hard work, I was able to break through the stereotypes and excel in school. I was one of the best in my class, and my robotics team even chose me to be their captain. Even though I still encountered obstacles, I was confident that I was changing things for all the girls who would come after me as well as for myself. Looking back, I'm proud of what I was able to accomplish.

Rashmi, a housewife

My desire to become a writer was something I once believed would have to be put on wait after I got married and had a family. I thought that my main duty was to be a homemaker and that I would not have time for anything else. When you get married, you accept not just the relationship, but every responsibility associated with it. The expectation of the family is to fulfill the responsibility of a wife, a daughter-in-law, and a mother. Although it can be challenging for someone to hear what you want, but it is worse when you are unable to hear your own voice.

I made the decision to begin working on my projects after realizing that being a housewife and a writer was actually a great combo.

I was always observing and thinking about the environment around me as a housewife. Whether it was my kids or the neighbours I spoke to, at the grocery store, I drew inspiration from my daily activities and the individuals I met with. I was also able to share those experiences with others as a writer by giving voice to my experiences.

Today, I can proudly say that I have written and published several books and articles, and I still write every day. I never believed I could have a feeling of contentment and purpose as I do now that I am a homemaker and a writer. It has demonstrated to me that, unlike what others may think, we are not forced to choose between our interests and our obligations and that we are free to forge our own routes in life.

Kalpana, a working professional

I am sure you have also heard or faced discrimination at work.

"He is a man who has to make sure his family is living a good life, what about you? You are earning just for your expenses…" ohhhhh really!!!!

"He is a male, so his brain will function more. He is also quite intelligent." And much more blah blah!!!

Yet rather than let that discourage me, I fought harder to establish my worth. I took on more work and went above and beyond. Having a network of professional women to lean on has been one of the things that have aided me the most in my career. We encourage and counsel one another while exchanging our experiences and thoughts. It has made a world of difference to be surrounded by other women who share my experiences.

Through hard work and perseverance, I have been able to achieve my goals and break through the stereotypes and biases that can hold women back in the workplace. I am now in a leadership position and I am proud to be able to mentor and support other women in their careers. It is not always easy, but when we support each other and work together, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.

Kanta, a rural businesswoman

Growing up in a rural village, I always felt like there was a certain mould that women were supposed to fit into. We were expected to marry early, have kids, and devote our entire lives to raising our families and maintaining our homes. Yet I have always wished for more. I wanted to push myself and get over the limitations placed on me and other women in my village.

But it was not simple, I took baby steps. Whether it was visiting workshops or classes in adjacent towns or reading books and articles online, I took advantage of every chance to learn and develop. In my village, I also began conversing with other women about their goals and objectives, and together we began to refute the notion that women were limited to what was expected of them.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was convincing my family and community that I was capable of more than just being a homemaker.

I began to become more active in my neighbourhood as my business grew. I enrolled in neighbourhood associations and organizations and did my part to spread knowledge about problems affecting women in our community. I also started mentoring other women who wanted to defy the expectations that society had placed on us.

Although it was not simple, it was worthwhile to overcome the preconceptions and stereotypes that had been holding me back. Today, I am proud to support women's rights in my community while still running a thriving business.

Conclusion

This story is not only theirs but also yours. If your story has not started yet, then what are you waiting for? Start your story today, you are the protagonist of your own story.

It's important to continue to celebrate and uplift the stories of women who broke through stereotypes and biases, as it inspires other women to pursue their dreams and challenge the norms set for them. We must also continue to fight for gender equality and push for systemic change that eliminates the barriers that hold women back. Only then can we create a world where women are truly free to pursue their passions and reach their full potential!