What It Means To Be A Woman




This is collection of pictures I took while I was in Nepal. I chose these pictures because I think that they truly capture the essence of what it means to be a woman. Being a woman is very different in the world, so this is simply my version of what it takes to be a great woman.








The essence of beauty

Although it might be uncommon in the media to find older women beautiful, one can’t help but look at this picture and be happy. I took this picture when I was in Nepal because I thought she was a beautiful human. I enjoy taking pictures of beautiful people. Everyone is beautiful in their own way. Being a woman means to be happy and feel beautiful. Social media portrays a “beautiful” woman to be skinny, flawless, and symmetrical looking. I define beauty as happiness, selflessness and love.








Dance the pain away

This is one of my favorite pictures I took while I was in Nepal. Although these girls have  challenging, difficult lives, they are still so happy and have a deep love their culture. Being a woman means that you push through the pain and press forward. I think that it is a societal norm that women push through hard trials and learn to laugh. Although it may be hard to do, women do it and make it look effortless.





Charitable

Some of the greatest role models in my life have been charitable women. For example, Noella Coursaris Musunka is the founder of Malaika, a non-profit organization that runs a free school for 230 disadvantaged girls in Kalebuka, a village in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Another example is Malala Yousafzai. On her #girlpowertrip she continues to fight for girls futures. When I contemplate great women in the world, I think of women like Noella and Malala that care about the wellbeing of girls in education. It is becoming this modern idea that education should be offered to everyone and I love it. Although education for both men and women isn’t universal yet, I believe it will get there. It is amazing to me that there are so many women that are advocating for the idea that education for all is a human right. It baffles my mind that equal opportunity for education is still something that isn't the norm. I hope that by the time my children are in school, everyone in the world will have that same opportunity.





Hardworking woman

Being a woman means being a hard worker. This woman was the only provider for her family of 6 children. She worked tirelessly so that she could take care of her family. The world needs more hard workers like her. Sometimes in the world we see the men being the breadwinners. But more and more women are financial providers, too. It is often seen in the world that women aren't as hard of workers as men, but that is simply not true. Women have the same abilities of men. There are so many women in my life that are the hardest workers I know. We should celebrate and focus on the single parents or the women who work just as hard as men.







Humble Homemaker

This woman invited us into her home and offered us milk and tea without even knowing us. She barely had anything and yet she was very willing to give. Being a woman means giving of yourself. Sometimes in America we forget what it is like to take care of our neighbors or strangers. It is common as Americans to simply focus on yourself and no one else. As a society we need to help others instead of being self-centered. Culture in Nepal is very different in that these women are all so kind, offering us a place to sit, and something to eat. There is beauty in hospitality, humility and unselfishness.








Strong

“Days for Girls” kits are reusable feminine hygiene bags. When I was in Nepal, I taught girls and women how to use these reusable pads so that they would never have to miss school. These kits are very important for making a girl feel confident. It helps reassure that education is just as important for girls as it is boys. This is not an issue in America because there is unlimited supply of feminine hygiene products. Since this is not an issue for American women, it may seem like less of a social problem but it is not. We as women need to help all women and treat their problems as our own until they are solved. Women are strong because they have to go through pain and trials but getting an education is still an essential aspect of their life.




Lasting Memories

As a woman I know that I love to make lasting memories. I love taking pictures that will last forever and creating lasting friendships. In the media typically it is the women who are usually posting more often. It is also a stereotype of women to always be taking pictures whether it be a picture like this or a selfie. I think that a picture is the best way to describe a moment so take all the photos you can. This is one of the great things of our society. Making memories and capturing them is important for remembering the great moments.






Selfless

I love these people and this picture. These women work in the orphanage and give everything they can to help these children. These women are selfless and everyday I strive to be more like these amazing, inspiring women. Every woman that I met in Nepal was selfless and loving. They didn't care where you came from, they were ready to love you. Life can get very busy it may be easy to forget to be selfless and help others in our society. The world would be a better place if everyone put others needs before theirs and loved everyone.






Girl Power

Womanhood is sticking up for other women. We need to uplift each other. In the media it is very common to see women dragging other women down or saying negative things about each other but what good does that do. We need to be rooting for each other to succeed. We are the best versions of ourselves when we are nice and loving towards each other.





Help

You can’t help but look at this picture and let your heart melt. It is common to while traveling through Nepal to see orphans begging on the street. It is a heartbreaking moment when you realize that these children are suffering with little to no help. These kids need a home with someone who loves and cares for them. As a woman I feel it is my duty to help these children. I think that globally, women are trying to help children so that no child is left behind. It is our responsibility to remember those children.




Mother

As women we have the amazing opportunity to be a mother. Mothers are the most amazing people on this earth because they are there to support and help you. I know from experience that my mother has always and will always be there for me. Women also have a special bond with their own children that men will never have as we carry the child for 9 months. Being a mother is a huge role as a woman. In Nepal it is a great duty to be a mother while in America there is less social pressure to be a mother. It is often a stereotype to only be a mother and have no other purpose as a woman. But I think that you should do what makes you happy and if being a mother makes you happy then be a mother, but if it is not, then choose to be something else.





Karate GIRL

This girl is my idol. She decided to join the karate club even though she would be the only girl and would miss out dancing with the other girls. She was passionate about karate so she joined the club. Even though it is not the norm for girls to participate in karate, she did it anyway. I love this picture because she is so confident and looks like she is about to have so much fun. Women need to be true to ourselves. If you want to do something that may seem out of the gender norm, DO IT. No one is stopping you except yourself. Be courageous because good things come when you step out of your comfort zone and try new things.