“She cried when they welcomed daughters, aware that being born female often leads to a life of quiet struggle.” – Inspired by Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Every time I encounter that sentiment, I find myself thinking, “Not in my experience.” There is nothing meek about being a woman. Women are fierce, resilient, and capable of achieving anything men can. My upbringing instilled this belief in my sister and me, and we chose partners who share this conviction. In my life, being a woman hasn’t been a source of hardship compared to being a man. Perhaps this was true in the past, like in early 20th-century Brooklyn, but in today’s world, I have no fear about raising daughters.
However, when the ultrasound technician announced “it’s a girl,” and I joyfully exclaimed, “I knew it!” a small voice deep within me whispered, “Oh.” This “oh” felt heavy with the understanding that despite progress in equality and feminism, my daughter—who will grow into a woman—will still face the challenges that come with being female. With the knowledge that we would have two daughters, my heart felt the weight of that responsibility.
The stark reality is that we inhabit a world where misogyny persists, where some men view women as possessions. This is true even here in America. My daughters will encounter relentless societal pressure regarding their appearance, weight, and worth; pressures that can lead even the most self-assured girls into a spiral of self-doubt or worse. Though I live in a city that promotes equality better than many, overt sexism still exists.
A dear friend once shared a poignant quote: “From the moment your child is born, a piece of your heart lives outside your body forever.” Now, I will have another daughter, and I hope that by instilling confidence and resilience in our girls, they might form a protective bond that shields them from negative messages and helps them grow up healthy and secure, ready to choose respectful partners, and perhaps even raise their own children with less worry.
Nonetheless, I find myself bewildered as I stroll through the toy aisles at Target, where girl toys are predominantly pink and boy toys are blue. During my first pregnancy, I hesitated to disclose the gender due to my concerns about the stereotypical pinks and “Daddy’s Little Princess” slogans. When a stranger compliments my daughter’s beauty, I instinctively respond, “and smart and strong.” I want her to embrace her beauty fully, but I also fear she might equate her worth solely with her looks.
So now, we are preparing for two daughters. My husband and I, along with our support network, will strive to create a nurturing environment that reinforces the belief that they can achieve anything with hard work. We will share stories of remarkable women, encourage interests in STEM, and provide opportunities for diverse play. It’s important to us that they know they can love whomever they choose, as long as respect and kindness are mutual. We envision our daughters as warrior princesses, not confined to traditional roles. Daily affirmations of their intelligence and strength will be our commitment.
And still, my heart feels heavy. A part of it resides outside of me now, and soon another piece will join it. I carry the weight of worry for my daughters and the women they will become. This is the profound challenge of womanhood.
For further insight on pregnancy and home insemination, consider visiting MedlinePlus, which offers extensive resources. If you’re exploring home insemination, check out this informative article on at-home insemination kits. For another authoritative perspective, explore Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit.
In summary, the journey of womanhood is marked by both pride and concern, as we strive to raise empowered daughters who can navigate a complex world.
Leave a Reply