I think I come from a culture that is behind in many, many ways.
Labels and social roles are one of them.
I was slapped when I got my period.
Not because I did something wrong, but because it was a "custom."
That moment stayed with me.
When I hear the word woman, these are the words that come to my mind:
Prisoner
Survivor
Victim
Helpless
Mother and father at the same time
Caring
Always present
Paid less
A woman is expected to work, take care of the house, raise the children, and take care of her husband — all at once.
On top of that, we are asked to pay extra "luxury" taxes on menstrual products.
But menstruation is not a luxury.
It is not a choice.
It is medical.
In some countries, menstrual products are taxed in the same category as alcohol or cigarettes. That says everything.
Education about menstruation should be free.
Menstrual products should be free.
It is interesting that we ask the question: How do you feel as a woman?
Because I don't think we actually feel like women.
What we feel are the social norms, the labels, and the expectations we are taught to fit into. We learn them so early that we stop asking what they really mean — and how they feel in our own lives.
Biologically, I have never seen a real difference between women and men beyond biology itself. We are the same species, with the same struggles, living in different social systems.
And the label woman creates more difficulty for the humans who fall into that category.
Everyone should be allowed to be themselves.
To exist without being boxed in.
Let the labels female and male stay with doctors and science — where they are useful for medical care and understanding the human body.
For the rest of us:
Feel yourself.
Be empowered.
Feel balanced.
Feel strong.
Feel enough.
Explore who you are.
Respect yourself.
And respect others — especially those who respect you and the people around them.