‘The She’ Who Dared To Break The Mold

In a world that whispers, “You can’t, you won’t,”
She stands tall, saying, “I can, I will, I must.”
From the ashes of failure, she dares to rise,
With fire in her heart and strength in her eyes.

She bends, she breaks, but she always heals,
A woman of iron, with soft, gentle feels.

So, here’s to “The She” who dared to be,
The woman who shattered what they couldn’t see.
For she’s more than the labels, more than her role;
She’s the fire, the warmth, the heart, and the soul.

Shattering Stereotypes

“A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong she is until she’s in hot water.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

These words embody a woman’s strength, often revealed in challenging times. Traditionally, society has cast men as primary breadwinners, placing pressure on them and undermining women’s potential. But times are changing. In a world that confines women to traditional roles, some dare to defy expectations. I am proud to be one of them!

Breaking the Bias

Years ago, my husband left a well-paying job to pursue his dream of starting a consulting firm abroad. Without prior experience in business, we took this leap together. I became an active partner, offering advice, encouragement, and financial support. I even embraced the role of primary breadwinner, managing household expenses and our daughter’s education with meticulous planning.

When unforeseen financial difficulties arose, I worked extra jobs, walked 5-6 kilometers to save on transport, and even bought groceries on credit. When necessary, I sold personal items to settle debts and close the business. This period tested me deeply, but it also taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, life, and true partnership.

Embracing Independence

To every woman reading this, know that your strength is limitless. Don’t wait for someone to rescue you; be your savior. Independence is about standing tall when life demands it. Invest in your growth through education, skill development, or a stable career. True equality means sharing responsibilities without hesitation. A woman’s financial independence is not just an option; it’s a powerful asset that enables freedom, confidence, and control over her life.

The True Essence of Partnership

Throughout this journey, I understood that when the world seemed against my husband, I was the one who needed to stand by him. My role as the primary breadwinner didn’t diminish his role; it strengthened our bond and revealed the essence of partnership. Now, as I pursue my freelance career, he’s taking full responsibility for our family’s expenses, returning the support I once gave.

True partnership is about sharing burdens and supporting each other through highs and lows. Genuine gender equality recognizes that both partners bring unique strengths to the relationship.

Taking Charge

Challenge the stereotypes suggesting women should only manage household duties or take a backseat in financial matters. Genuine gender equality requires stepping into roles society often reserves for men and redefining partnership.

Redefining ‘The She‘

Being a woman isn’t about fitting into predefined roles; it’s about creating your path. By taking charge, women can empower themselves and contribute to a more equitable society. Let’s redefine what it means to be a woman—someone who leads, inspires, and stands as an equal partner.

Let’s be ‘The She’ who dares to break labels, proving that we are not just capable but unstoppable.

Editor’s Note: This article is one of the submissions of #TheShe Contest.

By Deepa Perumal

Deepa Perumal is a Management professional, and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. As a career mentor, entrepreneur, and multilingual author, she shares her insights through blogging and writing features on history, world cultures, travelogues and memoirs. Contact her at deepabperumal@gmail.com