What women actually want: Beyond the surface

Ah, yes, it’s that time of year again, folks. The time when the perennial question echoes through the air with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer: “But what do women actually want?” You know, that inquiry that seems to come from the mouths of those who’ve just crash-landed from Mars, utterly oblivious to the daily realities women face.
Let’s face it; every time I hear those ignorant whispers, my blood boils hotter than a pot left unattended on the stove. It’s as if people are suddenly blind to the myriad of issues women continue to face-assaults, sexual harassment, catcalling-yeah, those things didn’t magically vanish overnight. It’s not like we woke up to headlines declaring a utopian society where women aren’t second-guessed, objectified, or denied basic rights.
Excuse my French, but it’s like living in a world where pigs fly and politicians keep promises. Wouldn’t that be something? But alas, reality bites harder than a Monday morning alarm.
So, let’s address the elephant in the room: What do women actually want? Well, it’s not as simple as ordering off a menu. Women want opportunities-intellectual, economic, and social-without the added weight of societal bias dragging us down. Yet, when we dare to demand these rights, we’re met with eye-rolls and accusations of being “difficult” or, dare I say it, “feminist.”
Yes, that dreaded F-word that sends shivers down the spines of the fragile-hearted. But if my words make you squirm uncomfortably, maybe it’s time to reevaluate your stance.
But before you accuse me of “womansplaining,” let’s circle back to the burning question: What do women want? Safety. Security. Dignity. It’s not too much to ask, is it? Yet, for many women, these are nothing more than distant dreams.
Sit down with the women in your life and ask them about their experiences. Go ahead, I’ll wait. You’ll soon realize that safety isn’t a given; it’s a luxury that many can’t afford. Whether it’s walking down a dimly-lit street or navigating the murky waters of workplace politics, women want to feel safe-physically, emotionally, and economically.
And let’s not forget our journey through history. Before 1974, women were not allowed to have a bank account or apply for a credit card by themselves-therefore, women were not economically free or safe. Before 1977, women had no legal protections from sexual harassment at work, and even before that, women were not allowed to work-therefore, safety was compromised. Let’s rewind a little further, to the era before the 1970s when women were not even allowed to get a divorce unless she could prove that her husband had committed adultery. Before 1978, women were most likely to get fired because they were pregnant. Not to mention how women have fought to get their legal right to cast a vote and participate in the Parliament.
But here’s the kicker: the fight isn’t over. The struggle continues, fueled by the fire of those who refuse to be silenced. So, to those who scoff at the idea of women demanding their rights, I have one thing to say: hold my drink, and watch us roar.
Safety and security are not just women’s issues; they are fundamental human rights. Every individual, regardless of gender, deserves to feel safe in their homes, workplaces, and communities. When women advocate for their safety, they are advocating for a safer world for all. Safety isn’t a luxury-it’s a necessity for a thriving society. Without it, fear and uncertainty permeate every aspect of life, hindering progress and stifling potential. Therefore, supporting women in their quest for safety and security isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s essential for the well-being of society as a whole.
Moreover, ensuring safety and security for women isn’t solely the responsibility of women themselves; it’s a collective effort that requires the active involvement of governments, institutions, and individuals. We must all work together to dismantle systems of oppression and create environments where everyone can thrive without fear of harm or discrimination. By advocating for policies that prioritize safety and by challenging societal norms that perpetuate violence and inequality, we can create a world where every person, regardless of gender, can live their lives to the fullest, free from the threat of harm or injustice. After all, safety knows no gender-it’s a universal right that we must all strive to protect and uphold.
Because until every woman feels safe-truly safe-our work isn’t done. So, dear reader, ask yourself: do you feel safe? And if the answer is anything but a resounding “yes,” then stand with us. Let’s stride forward together, towards a world where safety isn’t a privilege but a birthright. And remember, in the grand theater of life, the spotlight may dim, the curtains may fall, but our voices, our hopes, and our dreams will always reverberate in the halls of history. So, let’s raise our glasses, to a future where every woman is free to soar, unencumbered by fear or doubt. Cheers to that, my friends. Cheers to that.