Warrior of Womanhood – When her Story Becomes History

Warrior of womanhood

She is a phenomenal woman

For she doesn’t claim respect

For she doesn’t want reservation

For she doesn’t to be perfect

For she doesn’t mind sacrificing

For she doesn’t shy away from reacting

For she doesn’t give up

For she doesn’t give a damn about her gender

She is that phenomenal woman who stands for herself

All I want is for her

to realize her self worth and

Stop claiming for favors

She: A Tribute to her

I wrote the poem for a writing prompt in 2020. I was looking around and seeing a new wave of pseudo-feminism hitting society unfairly and being glorified as the only outlet for women to empower each other. This left me wondering if we are deviating from the basics of what women want. Feminists like me started getting tagged as flag bearers of female chauvinism and woman card, rightly so because there were indeed many women with anti-male propaganda and hue and cry about reservation.

I was heartbroken. From a futuristic dream of a world of equality, I looked around to see only inequity. On one hand, I saw a bunch of women screaming their lungs out to establish the point that all men are dogs. On the other hand, another bunch religiously follow their ‘perfect woman’ catalog that has been a norm for centuries, and proudly proclaim how proud they are about themselves. Where is equality?

A tribute to her

While I was wailing silently in my soliloquy about how the insert some sense in these women, I looked around and saw a separate bunch who were fighting their way forward against all odds. Some were cancer fighters, some survivors, some were child abuse survivors, some with painful stories of pregnancy and motherhood, and some were fighting mental health issues but staying strong with their heads raised.

The more I went to their world, the more women I met. The more women I met the more stories of survival and perseverance came to the foray. They don’t have time to wail about their pain. They have things to do. More often than not I noticed that women with painful stories are the ones who extended their hands forward to support other women. These warriors have a heart so strong, minds so kind, and intentions so pure that they have clarity of thoughts. They know what they want in life and what to do for others.

The serendipity

When I was overwhelmed with the knowledge that there is a plethora of stories still under wraps, and deserve to be heard, I came across Swarnali. This woman I tell you. While fighting with her own demons she was dedicating her life to letting others get free of theirs. Sharing my peace story with her was a much-needed long delayed liberation that I received. Hence when she announced her Women’s Day Blog hop, I didn’t have to think twice. She is the woman to whom I want to dedicate this day. While she herself is a warrior, she makes sure to make everyone around like one.

The sad part is that she doesn’t know how special she is. Hence as a gesture of gratitude, I decided to announce my new venture through her blog hop. Because she is the one who gave me the push in the right direction o focus on my blogs again. No one else could do this, not even my mother, (well my mother thinks that I am still simply poking on the phone and computer lol). So here I am announcing my new initiative of Holistic Wellness with RJ, all thanks to Swarnali – Warrior of Womanhood (WOW)

Warrior of Womanhood (WOW)

Dear Woman,

How could you? Is it possible for someone to be so good!!! How could you fight your demons while simultaneously uplifting other women? It’s time girl, to come out of the shell and tell the world your side of the story. You have changed lives. Now it is time to change yours my warrior of womanhood…

Warrior of womanhood

This is a tribute to all women out there who has her struggles to share but shy away from telling the world. This is a tribute to every woman out there who has been thinking of telling her story to the world but did get the right opportunity. Moreover, this is a tribute to the woman whose story has been out there but the more we share the stronger it comes out. This is an ongoing process because I believe everyday is women’s day – every day for each warrior of womanhood. And without consulting her, I announce Swarnali Nath as the first one in the series.

This blog post is part of the Women’s Day Blog Hop, themed on She: A Tribute to Her, hosted by Swarnali Nath.

Comments

41 responses to “Warrior of Womanhood – When her Story Becomes History”

  1. Alpana Deo Avatar

    This is such a sweet writeup Rakhi. Your poem very well captured almost every aspect of womanhood. Didn’t know that following the poem, there will a beautiful writeup. We have so much to learn from each other. But we hardly pay attention to it. What you said about Swarnali- I second that.

  2. Archana Avatar

    Awesome Rakhi! I couldn’t agree more on this Swarnali is no less than a warrior who knows how to win the battle with our inner demon and walk in life even more confident and high headed. Every single word of your poem is enough to stir the chord to understand the real meaning of womanhood. I Extend my best wishes for your new venture.

    1. Rakhi Jayashankar

      Thanks Archana. Kudos to sisterhood

  3. Harjeet Kaur Avatar

    Your poem touched a chord, Rakhi. You are so right about the bra-burning women’s lib which did nothing to uplift women, but in fact showed us in poor light. Every word about Swarnali is absolutely true. When i met her initially, she was soft and her writing was also toned down. Slowly, she has grown into a tigress who doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind. I am so proud to know her.

    1. Rakhi Jayashankar

      I know right. Seeing her grow gives immense happiness indeed.

  4. Suhasini I.P. Avatar

    Your poem and words about Swarnali touched my heart Rakhi as most of them have really come from your heart. And all the very best for your new venture. I am really glad to have come across so many wonderful girls like you all in this blogosphere.

    1. Rakhi Jayashankar

      Thanks Suhasini. I am also glad to have known you and other girls

      1. Swati Mathur Avatar
        Swati Mathur

        Very well expressed and i agree today people have desolved the real meaning of being feminist. I appreciate your efforts to putting forward and sharing stories about women warriors, looking forward to it and love to know more about swarnali.

        1. Sivaranjini Anandan Avatar

          Rakhi, I liked the way you acknowledged Swarnali. She is that woman worrior who stands up for others. Her patience, her bloghop Initiative both are so commendable.

  5. Manali Desai Avatar

    Loved the poem, Rakhi
    How sweetly you have written about Swarnali.
    I’m looking forward to reading about more such women in your Warrior of Womanhood series. Kudos to you for such an initiative and all the best 🙂

    1. Rakhi Jayashankar

      Thanks Manali. 💞

  6. Swarnali Nath Avatar

    I don’t know what to say. I really don’t know.. Currently am running short of words. I hardly believe I deserve this much love from you and all, I couldn’t do anything as I dreamt to do for all. Many dreams have broken, shattered and lost, but yes, with such lovely tribe having my back, I am trying to walk towards making new dreams. Thanks a lot for writing about me, I am eternally grateful to you for this lovely tribute. May our bond cherish forever togetherness. Loads of love and best wishes to you for your initiative WoW. It will be a huge success, I know! Thanks for joining us in the blog hop to celebrate women’s day together.

  7. Ruchi Verma Avatar
    Ruchi Verma

    I also believe that every day is an ongoing process of believing in ourselves and rediscovering us. This is such a great initiative you shared.

  8. Dashy Avatar

    You are so right about pseudo feminism and the ‘perfect women’, it is increasingly important to spread awareness on what feminism stands for and share more stories of women warriors. It is so nice of you to start this venture with Swarnali as the first warrior. You’ve made an apt choice! Wishing you the best 🙂

  9. Sakshi Avatar

    “For she doesn’t give a damn about her gender” … Enjoyed reading your poem and your write up of Swarnali resonants here. I hardly know her or you but through your writing I can assume that this blogging community stands for each other, supporting each other, growing together, stronger and brighter.

  10. Harjeet Kaur Avatar

    Beautiful poem and an outstanding depiction of Swarnali as WOW- Warrior of womanhood. She deserves all you said and more. The previous blog hop was amazing. This time I have shared my own journey, which is not less than any battle.

  11. Surbhi Prapanna Avatar

    Yes, Swarnali is amazing. I know her since many years and know her journey of fighting with many challenges and always come across as a winner. it is great that she has inspired you and bough you back again on blog writing. I loved the series idea Rakhi. looking forward to read more amazing posts in this series.

  12. Shilpa Garg Avatar

    Showing resilience in the face of personal challenges Overcoming the obstacles and emerging stronger and more determined…. that’s the hallmark of a WoW! More power to Swarnali and this is a beautiful initiative!

  13. Cindy D'Silva Avatar

    Nicely done Rakhi. Love the WOW – Warrior of Womanhood concept. And also loved the poem. Some of us do keep encouraging others while no one really encourages us because everyone thinks we encourage ourselves.

    1. Sinjana Ghosh Avatar
      Sinjana Ghosh

      Thats a wonderful tribute to strong women. While I do personally believe that we are still stuck in the second wave of feminism here in India n those pseudo-feminist voices r just a miniscule of high-decibel voices found only in the internet. Truth is we are surrounded by women who have faced domestic abuse, harrassment, discrimination, mental abuse and still silently, in their own way conquered them and live a fulfilling lives inspiring others. And Swarnali is truly one of them. Best of luch wit your venture .

  14. Preeti Chauhan Avatar

    All the best for your new venture Rakhi!
    The opening lines of this blog post were very impactful and I could really resound with the feeling of universal sisterhood as I read on. Well Written!

  15. Anita Avatar

    Well expressed, Rakhi.
    Agree with your points. Great tribute.
    We want equality and equity. Workforce & Society needs to be more inclusive.
    May she stand up for himself & be a force to reckon with.

  16. Deepika Sharma Avatar
    Deepika Sharma

    How you portrayed different feminist in the beginning comparing them to women who have suffered and now help others was thought provoking. You also spoke correctly about Swarnali. Have seen her grow and how much maturity she has for her age is awesome

  17. Sindhu Vinod Narayan Avatar

    Rakhi firstly I loved the poem but didn’t expect the write-up to follow . So proud to have known swarnali and the write up that surely brings up her accolades. Best wishes to your venture

  18. Varsh Avatar

    That’s a beautiful and powerful poem, Rakhi. And such an apt one too!
    Swarnali is indeed a very special person. She has such a positive presence and makes you feel about your existence!
    Would love to know more about your new venture.

  19. Neha Sharma Avatar

    I can feel the emotions, it’s coming direct from the heart. Many congratulations to you for your new initiative, would love to know more about it.

  20. MeenalSonal Avatar
    MeenalSonal

    Warrior of womanhood is truly inspiring phrase. Yes the meaning of the feminism is changing with course of time and we have to tweak our mindset accordingly. Yet the foundation remains same, equality for all. Great heart pour post.

  21. harshita Avatar
    harshita

    Hi Rakhi!
    I second whatever you wrote about Swarnali. I have known Swarnali for about three years (online) and I think, I even commented on one of her blog posts that she simply radiates positivity. I know she has fought against challenges but her positivity remains intact.
    Feminism is deeply rooted in me. I do believe that my privilege makes me have a moral and ethical obligation to speak up for those who are unable to. And yet, I know some challenges women need to fight on their own.
    p.s. all the best for your new venture

  22. Chinmayee Gayatree Sahu Avatar

    The poem resonates the deepest feelings of a woman who needs things to change for better. I agree what you said about Swarnali! And I really wonder that women supporting women is really underrated. This should be more welcomed and promoted . A strong piece of writing.

  23. Roma Gupta Sinha Avatar

    How brilliant is the concept of WoW Rakhi, I absolutely loved it and want to share that I started my blog straight from the heart in 2014 to bring forth such stories and I am so glad to know we are so like-minded in our endeavors love, lots of best wishes, love, and blessings to you.

  24. Roshan Radhakrishnan Avatar

    This is a lovely tribute. I have to credit Swarnali for getting me out of my blogging slump too but she’s truly been an inspiration for many already in the blogosphere.

  25. Sreeparna Sen Avatar
    Sreeparna Sen

    What a beautiful poem to kick start the post. And Swarnali is a true warrior. Absolutely WoW blog. Hope you keep writing many more such blogs

  26. Geethica Avatar

    We often find solace in someone else’s stories which give us a chance to see their empowerment as a woman.

  27. Abha Singh Avatar

    Beautiful write up. Swarnali is a beautiful soul I met virtually. Powerful poem and a lovely tribute.

  28. Sameeksha Avatar
    Sameeksha

    How amazingly you captured the essence of womanhood through your words. Really loved the blog! Such a beautiful tribute. Would love to read more of your blogs.

  29. Dipika Singh Avatar

    This a beautiful poem and a lovely write-up, we are indeed warriors and our fight are just not with the outside world but the inner demons too.

  30. Ritu Bindra Avatar

    Loved the poem and Swarnali is indeed a warrior of womanhood. She is such a sweetheart. I have seen her grow in the past four years I have had the pleasure of knowing her and her journey is indeed impressive. She deserves all the accolades that come her way and more.

  31. Daisy Avatar

    Congratulations on your new initiative and nothing better to share it through this riveting platform of women’s day bloghop. I share your thoughts when you talk about Swarnali as a contender because she’s a golden girl who has never shyed away from talking about her own demons and how she constantly fights them to emerge victorious!

  32. Amritha Srinath Avatar

    I absolutely loved your poem Rakhi, even though you had written in 2020, it is still relevant and resonating with all the readers. I also agree to the point that with few women playing the victim card and few accepting their fate to be the victim, the true essence of feminism, the true power to uplift and empower each other is lost.
    Swarnali has been one of my favorite bloggers till date. I have never met someone so humble, kind and understanding. Dedicating Warrior of Womanhood to Swarnali is absolutely the way to go!

  33. Shalini R Avatar

    Absolutely loved your poem and your venture of WoW. Swarnali is truly inspiring. She is absolutely lovely and I’m glad I’ve come across her blog through this blogosphere.

  34. […] Warrior of Womanhood – When her Story Becomes History […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *