“Each time I talk about women progressing, I talk to the world at large.
Today, I’m speaking to women, specifically.
I asked some of the folks in our WhatsApp community (at Decoding Draupadi) to tell me what they’d tell another woman trying to build her best life. What would they tell her to be careful about? What to enjoy, to care about, to not care about. What to think about closely. What to fear. What to not fear.
What would their women’s day wish for them to be?
One of them told me that their advice would be gender-neutral in this case. For anyone trying to build their best life.
That was fair. The pieces of advice were helpful. And they weren’t just for women.
When I read more of these, I realised it’s not about the ‘what’, it is about who it is coming from.
It’s not that I only learn from women today. I read stories of everyone. I’m inspired by some men who have done great for themselves. So, what is this about?
I’ll try to explain.
When I read about women like Leena Nair and find out she also fought the SAME fight to build her dream life, it doesn’t seem impossible anymore. When I hear Radhika Gupta talk about working hard, not smart, and doing what needs to be done, I’m not thinking about my limitations anymore, I’m only thinking about what’s possible.
These are just two examples.
This is for all the women I have gotten a chance to meet or be inspired by from a distance.
I think that’s what it is about. The small difference. The meaning of representation. And the power of it. When women come together, incredible things happen.
As for today, here’s what some lovely women wanted to tell fellow sisters:
💌 Never underestimate what you can do or your worth under someone else’s influence.
💌 Take a pause. Take a break. Yes, you have to take care of your partner, family, friends, but also yourself. You’re not responsible for the whole world just because you are a woman. You get to make that choice.
💌 If it looks possible to you, you will achieve it. Believe in yourself before anyone else does. And, be ready for the downs as you go on this journey.
💌 Always ask questions if you think something’s not right. Ask for help.
💌 Before you bucket yourself as someone or something, treat yourself like a human, not just a woman. Ask yourself, “What do I deserve?”
💌 Be prepared to be disheartened if you’re carving a new path for yourself.
💌 Surround yourself with people who are invested in your success. It makes all the difference.
HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY. To bigger, better things 🥂
Anshika Kushwaha Decoding Draupadi Vaishnavi Singhal Riya Senani kratika Agarwal Nisha Ramesh Ananya Shankar Vanshika Mehta Harshita Jain Nischala Agnihotri Bindu Rao