The Fight for Women's Freedom
Updated: Jan 16
Nelson Mandela once said, “Freedom can’t be achieved unless women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression.”
Women have been struggling to gain equality and freedom for as long as time can tell. We have fought to enjoy life the same way men have always been able to, while men have never had to think twice about whether or not someone will accept them based on their gender.
Women are criticized in every walk of life, from fashion to our beliefs. If we speak out we are shameless, and if we do not we are timid, scared, or shy. If we wear tight clothing or short skirts then we are desperate for attention. If we dress conservatively then we cannot keep up with the demands of society and are considered “prudes.” Beauty is held in the eyes of the beholder, but the beholder is never satisfied due to society’s double standards towards women.
People judge us on the basis of nothing, and nobody cares to know what we are going through. We live in a world where everybody has a million different expectations for us. We are forced to tread a dangerous path where the only outcome is losing who we truly are.
The 21st century has progressed in so many fields, but has society really moved on from its ancient mindset? Women are still objectified, and the big question remains unanswered: ARE WOMEN TRULY FREE? The Constitution may declare us as free beings, but what about society, the millions of oppressive mindsets surrounding us? Empowerment does not mean freedom; we are powerful and independent enough to achieve our goals and fulfill our dreams. Instead, we need people to become more open-minded and appreciative. Only then can we be liberated, liberated from all kinds of oppression and judgment, liberated from all orthodox beliefs. All we ask is to be ourselves. Or is that too much to ask for?
By: Risha Chaurasia