A woman is not just an individual; she is the embodiment of strength, resilience, and divinity. She is the Annapurna, the nourisher; Laxmi, the bringer of prosperity; and Durga, the fierce protector. Society reveres her with these powerful names, yet paradoxically, she still struggles to claim complete autonomy over her thoughts and decisions. Hustling Naari strongly supports this and request every women to read this piece by Sakshi P, founder of Arcana Mystics.
While modern society has seen significant progress in gender equality, a critical question remains—does a woman truly have the freedom to make her own choices? Despite contributing to household expenses, managing professional responsibilities, and ensuring the well-being of her family, does she have the liberty to dictate the course of her own life? More often than not, the answer remains no. And this is where the new-age struggle of work-life balance for women begins.
The Unspoken Conflict: Conscious vs. Subconscious Mind
Psychological studies suggest that a woman constantly battles between her conscious and subconscious mind. While she actively performs her duties, a parallel thought process runs in the background, consisting of unfulfilled dreams, unspoken desires, and suppressed aspirations. This internal conflict often leads to frustration, stress, and even anger—emotions that society deems unacceptable in a woman.
Unfortunately, the moment a woman exhibits frustration, she is labeled as irrational or overly emotional. The very same society that glorifies her as a goddess is quick to condemn her as a destroyer when she asserts herself. But rather than understanding the underlying causes of her struggles, she is met with criticism and resistance.
The Modern World and the Unchanged Expectations
We live in an era where technology dominates our lives. Smartphones, AI-powered gadgets, and Gen-Z culture have redefined how we function in society. Yet, the expectations placed upon women remain almost unchanged. The traditional mindset still perceives a woman as someone with 12 hands, capable of handling every responsibility without a single complaint.
Whether at home or in the workplace, she is expected to never say NO, even when something goes against her will. This deep-rooted expectation makes many women reconsider whether bringing a girl child into this world is a blessing or a challenge. They are aware of the hardships a woman faces—starting from menstruation to childbirth, enduring both physical and emotional burdens.
The Unfair Burden of Societal Norms
Women are often conditioned to compromise 70% more than men in any given situation. The unspoken rule of society dictates that she should stay silent, speak less, dress conservatively, and adjust to circumstances that may not align with her comfort or choices. Even today, a woman’s character is unfairly judged by superficial factors like her clothing and demeanor.
Ironically, we celebrate Navaratri, worship Goddess Durga, and organize Kanjak pujas to honor young girls, but the same society fails to respect its daughters, wives, and mothers. How do these contradictions make sense?
Despite these struggles, a woman wakes up every morning, juggles household chores, and steps out into the world with determination—whether she is an entrepreneur, a working professional, or a homemaker managing everything behind the scenes.
The Mental and Emotional Toll of Gender Bias
The persistent inequality and undue pressure lead to mental health issues among women, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. Women often suppress their emotions because they fear being labeled as weak or incapable. This emotional suppression not only affects their mental well-being but also impacts their relationships, careers, and self-esteem.
Society needs to move beyond archaic traditions and embrace a progressive mindset where a woman’s emotional and mental health is prioritized as much as her physical well-being. Providing safe spaces, mental health support, and equal opportunities is crucial for ensuring that women do not have to choose between their responsibilities and their dreams.
Breaking the Chains Towards an Empowered Future
1. Encourage Financial Independence
A financially independent woman is an empowered woman. Encouraging women’s entrepreneurship, equal pay, and financial literacy can significantly help bridge the gender gap. Read more about what the gender pay gap is.
2. Normalize Women’s Decision-Making Power
Women should not need permission to make choices about their careers, education, or personal lives. Families and workplaces must support and respect women’s autonomy.
3. Redefine Work-Life Balance
Instead of expecting women to be superhumans, workplaces should adopt policies that promote flexibility, parental leave equality, and work-life balance for all genders.
4. Challenge Gender Stereotypes
From childhood, both boys and girls should be taught that household chores, parenting, and leadership roles are not gender-specific. Breaking stereotypes at an early stage can bring about long-term societal change.
5. Promote Mental Health Awareness for Women
Therapy, counseling, and mental wellness programs should be easily accessible to women so that they feel comfortable expressing their concerns without fear of judgment. Learn more about why women need safe spaces to talk about their mental health.
A Woman’s Place Is Wherever She Chooses!
The conversation around women’s empowerment, gender equality, and societal expectations is not just about acknowledging the struggles of women—it is about actively working towards change. Women are not just nurturers but leaders, visionaries, and changemakers. A woman’s place is not defined by societal norms—it is defined by wherever she chooses to be.
It’s time to not just celebrate women but to respect them, uplift them, and give them the freedom they deserve.
About the Author
Sakshi P, the owner of Soulful Readings By Sakshi, writes this article. She performs a tarot reading with six years of experience in psychic practice. She’s here to help you with any ideas you wish to execute in your precious life and guide you on your absolute soul journey.
