What it takes.. to be a woman?!

Before we start, let me make it clear: I am just an another woman in India and I am not a feminist.

So what it takes to be a woman?

A woman is that human being who is given special lessons on how to sit and speak in public.. Even today, if she Iaughs out aloud, a dozen of rolling eyes would be a sure sight.

A woman is that human being whose motherhood is respected but her menstrual periods are treated a taboo. It takes the last ounce of strength for a woman to function during her cycle, but as it's a taboo, it has been conveniently ignored.

A woman is that human being who has to think a thousand times before choosing her favourite outfit. No, not to be trendy but to avoid being oogled, stared at and being a topic of 'the' inside talks.

A woman is that human being who is expected to be strong but in reality, is judged and criticised for her strength. If she proves to be efficient, her achievements are tainted and are always suffixed with a 'because'..

A woman is that human being who by some magic, manages both home and work beautifully but still remain unappreciated for the efforts she takes. Her days start at 5 am and ends at 1 am, still she does lesser than her counterpart.

All cliche statements, right? But unfortunately a truth for the all the women I know and I don't know.

As we discuss and deliberate about rape statistics, with so much of enthusiasm, how many of us actually take a minute, to think about the mental exploitation women face every day?

These are there, they are there.. they were there..all the time.. as your caring mother, loving sister, reliable friend, loyal partner, selfless wife, supportive daughter.. keeping all their struggles behind either a smile, crushed teeth or silence.. with the fear of being underestimated, misunderstood and ignored!!

It's time when we start to understand, share and if possible, change.. what it takes to be a woman!