Thoughts on Womanhood, Gender Roles, and Agriculture

Aug 7, 2020 | Patricia Marie Cordero Irizarry
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As women, we’ve been generally told to be obedient, to sit with our legs closed, to comb our hair, to wear bras, and not to curse. We’re mostly seen as mothers and wives, which creates a sense of pride for many, but not for all. There’s nothing wrong with being seen this way, what’s wrong is believing that this is the only way. The capacity to give birth cannot be ignored when it comes to womanhood, but it doesn’t define it entirely. This is why I see womanhood as a way of thinking and acting. It’s an inner strength that develops with age and entails valuing both strengths and weaknesses. It’s accepting ourselves just as we are but, acknowledging that there is always room for improvement.If we stop and think about this, it isn’t women-specific, right? Then, is womanhood not women-specific? Perhaps it’s linked to gender roles like femininity is. I think it's important to question these terms. By not doing so, society will not change and people who don’t follow gender roles will continue being oppressed.