Debunking Misogyny

Feeling lesser than a man

 
“A woman’s place is in the house”, “She asked for it…”. “A woman should be kept barefoot and pregnant”, “A woman should be subservient to a man”, “A woman cannot …” 

 

The Woman’s Journey

Every woman has her own story of being made to feel ‘less’ or ’unworthy’ in a patriarchal society bent on elevating men by intimidating women.

You have felt overwhelmed by the emotions these concepts stir within the hidden recesses of your soul. You have had to endure these ingrained concepts often blindly repeated by other women. Women you love and respect. Dare I say, once or twice, you might even have bitten your tongue as you heard yourself utter traces of these concepts.

You heard echoes of these prejudices reverberate through your soul…as you laid your hopes, dreams, and aspirations to rest.

 

How I lost my dream job. 

Your story under the yolk of ingrained distrust, dislike, hatred, prejudice, and contempt for women is uniquely yours. 

Just like you, I too have bowed to societal dictates steeped in misogyny and sexism. I too yearned to discard the embedded sexually-based bias and limitations.

I was twenty when misogyny robbed me of my dream job in finance. Unexpectedly grabbing my left hand, the chairman yelled, “Young lady are you married? I am not wasting my companies time and money on a woman who will fall pregnant and leave”. My words of protest and equal opportunities were silenced by three burly men standing over me. Forcing me to sign a document denying sexual discrimination. Shoving money into my unwilling hand, escorting me to my car…  This was a turning point in my life. Rising from the ashes, I wiped my tears and vowed to never allow this to happen again. To reclaim and redefine my bespoke place in life and embrace my sacred womanhood.

 

Reclaiming Womanhood

Disempowerment by a patriarchal society is unacceptable, but by educating yourself and others on women’s rights positive change will continue to occur.

I have spent many years studying women’s issues. Empowering myself to become strong enough to face discrimination and sexism. I have supported other women to reclaim their truth and stand up against ingrained hatred and subjugation of women. The battle continues. 

 

We empower each other when stand together

As women, we need to stand together and take up our rightful place in society. Join me in the Virtual Women’s Village. Like me, you will find a safe space where your healing can begin amongst soul-driven, authentic women who long to connect with the real you. 

Love and light,

 

Estellé Woods
Virtual Women’s Village Member 
and Author of ‘Daring to Claim my Bespoke Pathway’