"لا يولد المرء امرأة بل يصبح كذلك"

This quote speaks to the concept that womanhood is not simply a result of biology, but rather a process shaped by societal roles, expectations, and experiences. It argues that being a woman is more about the journey of becoming, influenced by culture and personal growth, instead of just being a biological fact from birth.

Historically, this perspective comes from Simone de Beauvoir, a prominent French existentialist philosopher and feminist. In her groundbreaking work "The Second Sex" published in 1949, she explored the ways in which society constructs gender roles. This was a time when the traditional roles of men and women were being questioned and redefined, leading to the rise of the feminist movement.

To see how this idea plays out in real life, take the story of Malala Yousafzai. Born in Pakistan, Malala was raised in a society with strict expectations about what women could or could not do. Despite these restrictions, she fought for her right to an education, something not traditionally afforded to girls in her area. Malala’s journey of becoming a woman was not defined solely by her birth but by her actions, her courage, and her fight against societal norms. Her experiences and the roles she took on—student, activist, survivor—shaped her into the woman she is today.

So, how can we apply this wisdom in our own lives? Start by recognizing that your identity is not fixed. It's shaped by your choices, experiences, and the roles you decide to take on. If you're feeling boxed in by societal expectations, remember that you have the power to redefine what it means to be you. Reflect on the roles you play in your family, workplace, and community. Are they in line with who you want to become, or are they imposed by external expectations?

Imagine you’re at a family gathering, and everyone assumes you’re the one who’s going to cook and clean. These roles might feel automatic, given how you were raised. But you can decide to challenge them—maybe talk to your siblings about sharing responsibilities, or express your desire to contribute in a different way, like organizing activities or managing finances. Over time, these small changes contribute to a larger shift in how you—and others—perceive your role.

Think about a young girl named Jamie. She loves science and dreams of becoming an astronaut. But at school, she’s told that’s a ‘boy’s dream.’ Jamie could let this dictate her path, but instead, she finds a mentor—another woman in science—who encourages her to pursue her passion. Jamie joins a science club, enters competitions, and eventually gets a scholarship to study astrophysics. Her journey is marked by defying the expectations set for her gender. She wasn’t just born a girl; she became a woman who broke barriers and followed her dreams.

Life isn’t about sticking to the script society hands you at birth. You’re constantly writing and rewriting your own story. So, remember that becoming who you are—whether as a woman, man, or any identity—is a dynamic process. Embrace it, challenge the norms, and create the roles that fit you best. And who knows? Maybe your journey will inspire someone else to redefine what they can become.