It is my belief that a woman is naturally bold. She is more honest about her emotions, and more able to stand up for what she believes in, personally or professionally. Yet generations of nurture has conditioned her to be more diffident, timid and letting the man take the lead, because naturally that is what will make her appear less threatening and more attractive to a man, who will have an easier time feeling confident in approaching her. The woman is such a great care giver that men naturally prefer them in that role, especially that of a companion. For millions of years, women have sought their identity in that role, and have been happy and have made their men happy too. But when men got too comfortable in that role and the women attained the distinction of being called the second sex (Simone de Beauvoir's famous book, recommended reading for all bold females out there),things were bound to change.
Contrary to what men might think or like to believe, women are naturally leaders and do well in positions of authority. They are already doing it in their homes and with children. They are better at Fairplay too, their only weakness arises in relation to men. If men pit them against each other, then they are not able to rise above it. I hope with the passage of time they can rise above this too.
Pakistan is changing very fast with the huge youth bulge which includes lots of young ladies too. As financial compulsions allow them out of the house more and more, our social mix and workplace values are evolving on their own to account for the needs of these women. Therefore, it is a fallacy to say that we need to get them out of the houses and empower them. They are already out, enterprising, working, slowly claiming their place in the sun along with their male colleagues. At this time, the only thing women need, is an enabling environment. They still need professional hand holding, and equal treatment, especially in the private sector. What they don't need at the workplace is special treatment, being treated like"ladies" and expected to do only ladylike work, they need an environment which allows them to compete equally.
The government sector is much better for women in Pakistan at any given day. I am a living example. I gave the CSS exam a nameless candidate who nobody knew, and nobody needed to know. I just had to do well in my exam. Contrary to what people presume, I did better in the written exam( one of the highest marks in the batch, landing me eventually at 7th position in Pakistan) than in the interview, where the then chairman did not like my boldness and candid views. But the objective system saved me, and gave me my due, without having to resort to buttering up anybody ever. Even now, this system does not require me to cultivate people, mostly men, in order to get ahead. I just need to be good at my work and I am given my due. Most importantly, this system does not ask me or judge me on my personal life, and my professional life does not get affected by my personal life. That is still not true for other professions. The greatest challenge for governments is to provide better regulation so that women have a level playing field in every career they choose.
My advice to young ladies, and old too, ( there is no age to become empowered) is to take as few favors from men as possible, so that there are fewer opportunities to exploit you, and you can hold your head high with real achievements. Follow the straight path to success. If you want fairness, believe in FairPlay yourself and help enforce it. Don't be afraid to compete. You are as good, or even better. Don't think its women against men, its just natural competition among human beings. We compete to survive, and nothing wrong with being competitive. Do not fight with other women, or you will be regressing collectively plus fulfilling male agendas of keeping you down in the workplace as group. Do not expect or accept "female' allowances, leave your feminine wiles at home and be only a professional at the workplace, not a woman. Don't be afraid to be feminine and dress accordingly, be yourself and don't play a part. But be clear and confident of your own abilities, and be bold to take your agenda forward.
When a woman is bold, she becomes unstoppable. Happy Women's Day.
