WHAT DOES BEING A WOMAN MEAN TO YOU?

What does being a woman mean to you? 

 International women's day is celebrated on the 8th of March Every year. This year I just sat wondering why we even celebrate Women's day. I have had this "Women" conversation with myself a lot of times but this time I decided to outsource it. So I asked these amazing women what womanhood meant to them and this what they had to say.

Emma

 A man's beauty is pretty limited in my opinion.

To me, being a Woman is being several types of beautiful. Everywhere I look, I see women of different colors, shapes, and sizes, with so many different stories. And I think, all these women have one thing in common(besides gender). They're all beautiful in their own way. A man's beauty is pretty limited in my opinion. If it's not abs, height, beards and white teeth, then he doesn't make the cut. Sorry guys. 

Being a woman can be pretty annoying, putting it mildly. But when I remember that I can always do something different and still be absolutely pulchritudinous, there's no other place I'd rather be than in the body of a woman. 

It's amazing. 

ESTHER 

you don't know how strong you are until the only option you have is to be strong" 

I always tell people that "you don't know how strong you are until the only option you have is to be strong" 

To me, womanhood is a journey of self-discovery, learning and unlearning, realizing your purpose and staying strong. During this period, a lot of things that may be beyond your control will happen and strength becomes the only option. I've learned over the years that strength requires a lot of compromise in order not to be frustrated. Being a woman means finding ways to overcome whatever that wants to break you. 

As a young adult, I've learned that life happens and when it does, you can't help but be patient enough for things to fall into place.

Life is all about making choices and I always choose happiness. We plan our lives and expect things to work out as planned, forgetting that there's a supreme being that knows more than we do.

For the past three years, (2017 till date) I've realized that God does not make mistakes, once you seek Him first, He will direct you and you begin to understand that "His plans for you are of good and not of evil to give you a future, a hope, and an expected end".

I saw an interesting movie this year titled 'God calling' directed by BB Sasore. I always talk about the movie because I related so well to it. It described the journey of self-discovery which is not always a smooth one. God takes aways little things from us in order to prepare us for greater things.

EUNICE 

Being a woman to me means being fragile but agile.

I wish I had more concrete ways to describe what being a woman means to me, because for the most part, being able to identify as the female gender feels like a special gift to me. 

 Being a woman to me means to be emotional yet strong. Vulnerable in some certain situations and feeling frustrated about it but still going for it regardless. 

At some point being a woman means that I am expected to turn out a particular way, live up to a standard that God never even placed and if not, be judged by society and even loved ones.

Being a woman to me means being fragile but agile.

Beautiful and smart.

Vulnerable but capable.

VAL 

Who cares about the dress size

It’s all about what’s inside.

Being a woman is a struggle. An everyday challenge 

Her worth is measured by trivial things 

She is expected to change to fit into the idea of what a woman is supposed to be 

Being a woman is being strong

From day one, nature even has bestowed on us trying moments 

That just shows our determination and resilience

Women have been breaking barriers 

For generations and many more we’ve been changing the narrative 

We’ve embraced our uniqueness 

Being a woman is something special

I’m proud, happy and grateful to be part of a revolutionary specie, part of the struggle because I do love a good challenge 

Being a woman is a GIFT 

All women are beautiful 

Who cares about the dress size

It’s all about what’s inside.

 Nk 

Being a woman means u have to be twice as hardworking and as smart as men

Being a woman is a gift and privilege that and I'm happy I'm a woman.

Well, being a woman to me means a nurturer, caregiver, counselor, nurse, spiritual advisor and a lot more. Being a woman means u have to be twice as hardworking and as smart as men and the ability to be strong, independent and resourceful and being an advocate of change in this very society that looks down on the female gender. Basically, a woman is power.

MARY 

A woman holds a strong fold of the home, yes the men are the heads of the family and women are the neck but let it be known to all that once the neck is being cut off the head goes down, 

Being a woman means there are so many areas and the unfolding of these areas can be tense and hard for me

I  see it as a privilege from God he has said, women are the weaker vessels but I've come to understand that I am at advantage. I feel blessed for the fact that I can to the best of strength, handle issues that people think too small for a woman. 

Being a woman really means a lot to me and to my family at large, I'm glad to grow up in a family where they believe in woman exercising their full rights and most especially education of a girl child. Not only is it about education and personal life

A woman holds a strong fold of the home, yes the men are the heads of the family and women are the neck but let it be known to all that once the neck is being cut off the head goes down, as a woman I'm glad that one day I will stand to be a stronghold of my own home.

CHUKSI 

Society wants to know what you have to offer. 

Women literally have to struggle to be seen as relevant and important in this country, there is more to beauty than just being beautiful. You have to have brains

A woman is one of the most beautiful creatures ever made. A woman..." can I compare her beauty to a summers day?"

Fair or Dark, a woman is incredibly unique in all. She is capable of reproducing.
 A writer once said " Everything beautiful has its moment and then passes away" but I believe that true beauty lies in the heart and character.

A woman, one of nature's gifts on earth.

Growing into a woman is an amazing adventure and YES I am on that path now.  It's funny how time flies, how you grow from being just a child to a teenage girl and then BOOM...YOU ARE A WOMAN. 

 At this point, everyone expects more from you. I just turned 19. Its been good, but I must confess, I have been on a series of anxiety attacks like I wonder what the future holds. At this age for most teenagers emotionally, they are either on a love ride, either hooked up, already found their "supposed" rip or just there. Brother and sisters am just there. 

Sometimes I wonder, will I ever be enough for a person.

Other reasons make me anxious. I

 am a law student, how's that going for me? Law is competitive after graduation from law school. All these thoughts come into my head as I grow. But it is still amazing how we stand strong after all.

 Society wants to know what you have to offer. 

Women literally have to struggle to be seen as relevant and important in this country, there is more to beauty than just being beautiful. You have to have brains. It's amusing how people underestimate me until they see my talent and ability. I realized that you can't have rainbow without a little rain so.

 Just the other day, I was at the school bank with my friend. we actually came to pay for something. Even the sun would bear me witness that we came before one guy with the blue-washed jeans.
The banker literally told us to wait behind...in his words" Don't you know he is a boy, you law girls like oppressing everyone you see in this faculty, he should come before you girls, now shift". 

My god, what is this country turning into, but then I remember that there is no cure for the foolish. I didn't want to make a scene, time was on our side that day, so I let him be.

 As a woman, self-worth is very important and it should be earned. No matter even in my next life. I would still choose to be a woman.

I AM BEAUTIFUL, I AM STRONG, I AM ENOUGH, I AM A WOMAN.

CHIOMA 

You are not one who sees the expression of Love as a sign of weakness. You are also one who knows how to draw the boundary when your love is being taken for granted. 

Being a Woman is one of the most amazing experiences I've ever lived through and still living. I believe Women are ethereal beauties in the form of beings. 

•To me, being a woman means STRENGTH. 

You are aware of the obstacles in your way and the misogynistic expectations people have for you. Still, you decide on what you want while working hard to achieve your goals.  

•Being a woman means CONFIDENCE. 

To me, a woman is one who has a beautiful mixture of "Confidence and Humility" You don't compare yourself to others, you follow your own path, you are unapologetic about who you are, in the process being humble without getting arrogant or proud.

•Being a Woman means SELF IDENTITY. 

I believe being a woman is being aware of who you are. For instance, I being aware of who "Chioma Glory Nwabuzor" is. You are aware of your Strength, weakness, your fears and constantly making progress to overcome them. You knowing your Values and tour Worth (extremely important), not afraid to reveal your feelings and Speak up when you feel you ought to, all without fear or favor. Constantly on a Journey of learning, unlearning new things about yourself, not letting situations, circumstances and people define you. Basically knowing the beautiful and unique being that you are. 

•Being a Woman means INDEPENDENCE. 

Independence doesn't mean not asking for help.  An Independent person is one who has learned to live on their own and support themselves. 

I believe Self-support and Self hype is the greatest 'cus honey, YOU as a woman are your greatest Cheerleader. An Independent woman is strong emotionally, mentally, physically and not one who sees herself as a fragile helpless creature who doesn't have the potentials to achieve much. To me, being a woman means being Independent and believing in yourself. 

•Being a Woman means having SELF-RESPECT. 

You have that deep admiration for yourself, your abilities, your qualities are what I feel being a woman is. 

Respecting yourself to stand up for your beliefs, 

Respecting yourself enough to know that the level of suffering or pain you can withstand is not the true test of womanhood, 

Respecting yourself to leave toxic people and environments that no longer serve you in a positive way, 

Respecting yourself to fight for your dreams and goals, 

Respecting yourself to Love YOU the way you deserve. 

•Being a woman means being an embodiment of LOVE. 

A woman is one who is Loving. It's more like her nature to take care of others while it all flows naturally. You are not one who sees the expression of Love as a sign of weakness. You are also one who knows how to draw the boundary when your love is being taken for granted. 

•Being a Woman means having FAITH. 

Lastly, I believe you being a Woman means having a Faith, staying grounded in it and also true to it. Personally, this Faith equals Godliness, i.e having the attributes of Christ that would make the title of "Christian" which I claim to be real. 

This is what being a woman means to me

I think the conclusion of the matter is that being a woman is not one thing and it might not mean you it means to or them. So please tell me in the comments what does being a woman mean to you. Whether you are a male or female.