A historian’s take.
It is a near impossibility to define the term ‘womanhood’. It bears significant weight, a multi-faceted title that has adopted many faces throughout the ages and one that indicates something unique to everyone. At its foundations, it encompasses the role of sister, daughter, caregiver and Mother. But it also comprises a multitude of other roles: nurse, teacher, actor, and government agents, to name a few.
Turning to the historical timeline of women and their metamorphic roles in society does not help us unearth a definitive meaning of womanhood. We are actually met with a surprising revelation. Often we may be led to believe that the farther back in time one goes, gender equality is sure to deplete. But that isn’t quite the case. Instead, it is a wibbly-wobbly line of peaks and troughs whereby women have both gained and lost their social and political clout. It is undeniable, however, that us girls have gained the upper hand, or rather been placed on equal footing, with our much loved male companions - can’t live with and can’t live without.
Let us start in Ancient Times. This age witnessed the emergence of several key female figures from various backgrounds. Cue the likes of Boudicca [Warrior], Esther [Queen], and Cleopatra [Ruler], their names and feats immortalised in the pages of our history books. Tentatively, we take a step into Medieval Europe where female bishops were prevalent among certain communities. We can also note the religious leading figure of Mary Magdalene, dubbed as the “apostle to the apostles”, Jesus’s right-hand woman. Next comes the turbulent blaze of the Modern Age beginning in the late 1500s with the dawn of the Renaissance. Despite a bit of a gap, whereby the role of homemaker was cemented for female-kind; the devastating onset of the World Wars was met with a revolutionary shift in women’s social standing. Hear the deafening cries of the Suffragettes, leading their mighty bands in a call for change and successfully gaining the right to vote in the 1930s. During World War I and II women grasped the opportunity to assist with all their might and contribute to the war effort, taking on hardy factory jobs, farming roles and some even going so far as to become government spies. Hats off to Odette Sansom Hallowes, Violette Szabo and many more. Fast forward to the 60s and 70s and take in the tremendous sights of the feminist revolution which changed the meaning of womanhood forever.
Admittedly, I have presented a rather rosy, slapdash round-up of a select few - all positive to boot. There are many, many more individuals of note which is a truly wonderful thing and we owe a great deal to those women who went before us and set such a fine stage. I urge you to dive into the books - or the web - to research and discover your own models of inspiration if you have not done so already. Needless to say, we cannot dismiss or shirk away from the negatives, but for now, let us keep our eyes firmly set on the progress that has been made and continue to build and grow to the best of our abilities.
With this in mind, let us revisit the question: “What does it mean to be a woman?” For me, it entails nurturing a strong determination to strive and excel in whatever chosen field you choose to pursue, whilst still maintaining that feminine je ne sais quoi. To follow in the footsteps of the greats does not necessarily mean you have to lose your womanly vigour, softness and delicate nature. Let us pull each other up in times of struggle, not being afraid to show off what we can do as women and dare I say, stop trying to do one better than men. Let us focus on ourselves for once. But, if we must engage, let us do so in a friendly parlay, reminiscent of Betty Hutton’s performance of “Anything you can do, I can do better”, which was only achieved with the presence of her splendid sport of a partner, Howard Keel.
Alternatively, Coco Chanel’s succinct yet accurate definition is just as good: to be a woman is to be “fabulous and classy.”
Comment down below on what it means to be a woman to you.
Until next time,
Gia x