Beyond the Home: The Unacknowledged Work of Women
Living in a society where people equate women’s empowerment with feminism is unjust. When homemakers speak up about the hardships they face, they are often asked what they do besides cleaning and mopping. For many, cooking is dismissed as trivial, and, mysteriously, nurturing a child is not considered work at all. Let’s unravel this puzzle from the beginning. A woman’s life changes significantly when she transitions to married life. Her capabilities are often reduced to insignificance if her in-laws or husband confine her to the home. In many cases, her religious or secular education becomes merely a paper degree. Society may view her primary talent as giving birth shortly after marriage. Even when she is highly skilled, her worth is sometimes measured by tasks like polishing silver utensils until they shine like mirrors. These are the harsh realities of upper-middle-class society. And the lives of those in lower classes are even more challenging, beyond what many can imagine. If you think the upper class is exempt from these issues, think again.
The Realities of Pregnancy and Motherhood: Not Just a Bed of Roses
The pregnancy journey is not a dreamy experience for everyone. Many consider it a time of rest, but the reality of hormonal changes is far from easy to handle. Things become even more complicated when accompanied by vomiting, hypertension, or anemia. This is a critical period when a woman must protect her fetus from environmental challenges. She often cannot sleep properly nor carry out daily activities like she used to. Yet, you will see women persevering through their responsibilities, whether they are someone like Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto or a girl from a small town. When the newborn arrives, the next challenge begins: learning how to care for this precious gift. Breastfeeding is not easy in the initial stages, though it can ultimately provide significant stress relief. The postpartum period passes quickly, with first-time mothers learning and relearning countless tasks. Later, she discovers how her diet directly affects her baby’s sensitive stomach. In many cases, she must avoid her favorite foods because they may not be suitable for the baby, making this conscious stage particularly tough. When the baby starts crawling and walking, she must prove herself as agile as an athlete.
The Endless Cycle of Nurturing: From Toddler to Teen
When the baby begins talking, the mother becomes responsible for fostering essential learning. A real challenge arises when she asks those around her to change their toxic behaviors, such as inappropriate language or sarcastic attitudes, since children absorb much from their environment. As she moves to the next stage, she often hears questions about when the next baby is coming. This means she must prepare herself mentally and physically for the possibility of another child. When her child reaches school age, she transitions into the role of a mentor. She attends parent-teacher meetings, provides all necessary supplies, and keeps a watchful eye on her child’s activities and mental health. In all this, she often forgets about herself. You may notice her wearing minimal makeup on special occasions, sometimes with dresses that don’t quite match her jewelry, as her focus is primarily on her child’s appearance and well-being.
The Unsung Hero: A Mother's Role in Shaping Futures
The next stage begins when the child embarks on their academic career, a time when the mother fully embraces her role as a mentor. She becomes the powerhouse behind her child’s achievements, serving as a steadfast support through life’s ups and downs. She transforms into a secret keeper, a friend, and a storyteller. She strives to shield her child from harmful comparisons, knowing that each child is unique. As a master chef, mentor, and dreamer, she juggles multiple tasks within limited time. When her child matures and enters university life, she grapples with homesickness, as her greatest love is now far from home. Instead of giving in to tears, she channels her energy into praying for her child’s safety and health. The journey doesn’t end there. She must endure the pain of separation from the child who has been her entire world, whether in her arms or out in the world. Her later years are devoted to offering prayers for her offspring. This is the simple yet profound life of a woman, whether she is a homemaker or works outside the home. This blog is a tribute to women everywhere.