Redefining the Measure of a Woman || LOH Contest #294

Happy weekend to every member of the LOH community!🌺 Today, I'll be responding to this week's prompt, authored by the lovely @jane1289

What does being a responsible woman mean to you in today's world?

For many years, society defined a responsible woman as one who had embraced servitude to men and aspired towards marriage and motherhood alone. To fit into that description, you had to have the ability to keep a home together, regardless of whether or not you had a supportive family or partner who made marriage and childbearing a little easier.

A woman was also considered responsible if she found a spouse in her 20s, as being unmarried after 30 meant that you were irresponsible or lacking in character. This was the norm in many developing countries. But times are currently changing, and women have redefined what being a responsible woman should feel or look like, and it has become personal for each person. However, some qualities still find their way into everyone’s descriptions, including mine.

To me, a responsible woman is not a perfect human but one who understands that she has full autonomy over her decisions, her finances, the people she chooses to grow through life with, and most importantly, that she is able to take accountability for her words and actions.

In a world where virtue seems to be lost in varying degrees each year, I expect that a responsible woman would be kind to everyone, regardless of societal status or race. One who would speak positive words over others, pray for her loved ones, and rejoice with those who share their good news.

I consider a responsible woman to be one who stands for the truth, speaks up against injustice, and doesn’t celebrate degeneracy or ill-gotten wealth. One who values education, has a zeal for constant learning, and refuses to support any government or institution that has proven to be insensitive to the plight of its citizens, as in my home country. Such a woman would also be trustworthy, dependable, gives grace to others, and be able to prioritize her mental and emotional well-being above every vanity of the world.

A responsible woman to me, is also one who isn’t easily swayed by the material things people can offer over her values. She’s that young university student who doesn't live for the male gaze, that lady who takes care of herself and her surroundings, believes in community building, and finds no joy in putting other women down.

Ultimately, a responsible woman is one who is on a journey of self-improvement, constantly learning and unlearning, reflecting on her character, seeking ways to be a more valuable member of society, and actively putting in every effort to be a present, loving, and supportive friend, sister, mother, daughter, wife, colleague, neighbour, and acquaintance. And I do hope that the next generation of women will continue to impact and shape the conversations around womanhood.