Womanhood: a unique trait bestowed by nature

Express Tribune

18-03-2025

The writer is an Assistant Professor at DHA Suffa University, Karachi and Founding chairperson of Center for Alternative Perspectives. She can be reached at [e-mail]
Listen to article
Womanhood cannot be defined solely by achievements such as earning, exerting power over others, pursuing education, attaining high positions, achieving upward mobility, flying airplanes, serving in the military or becoming engineers, doctors, athletes, academicians or even presidents or prime ministers. If we believe that these accomplishments alone define the highest form of womanhood, we are mistaken.
Womanhood is an honour, a grace, a responsibility and a beautiful blend of emotions, courage and sensitivity. It is the ultimate form of respect bestowed by nature. Womanhood is sacred and should not be measured in terms of money or power, nor should it be assessed through the lens of Western notions of liberty. It is a unique and innate trait that should be nurtured, not reduced to societal debates on acceptable levels of exposure. Moreover, it should not be judged by the extent to which brands and marketers exploit female models to sell male-oriented or other commercial products.
Womanhood is fading, diminishing under the influence of capitalism. The voices that once defined womanhood in its true essence are growing silent. Womanhood is a sacred and precious gift, bestowed by nature - a gift that nurtures and cares for seeds until they blossom into flowers.
These flowers spread a refreshing fragrance, adding colour and beauty to life, creating a world that embraces everyone. It is a world untroubled by enemies, understanding that just as there are delicate petals, there are also protective thorns - both gifts of nature, not to be feared but to be valued for their role in safeguarding what is precious.
Womanhood, at its core, is about caring - caring for one another, for your male counterparts, for your parents and for the relationships that nurture you in return. Roles may evolve, as dictated by nature, but these changes are not meant to alter the essence of womanhood. They are not meant to demean the men around you.
Womanhood and education are deeply intertwined, as education has long been a tool for women to assert their identity, independence and strength.
Let's honour the pioneering women of South Asia who upheld true womanhood by empowering others through education. Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain (1880-1932) founded the first school for Muslim girls in Kolkata, overcoming resistance to ensure women's access to knowledge. Savitribai Phule (1831-1897), India's first female teacher, fought for Dalit and marginalized women's education, creating inclusive learning spaces despite immense opposition. Sultan Jahan Begum (1858-1930) championed Muslim women's higher education, establishing Aligarh's Women's College and proving that education strengthens dignity and self-reliance.
Thanks to the courage of pioneering women who broke barriers and championed education. Pakistani women have made remarkable contributions in the field of science and academia.
Dr Nergis Mavalvala, an astrophysicist and Dean of Science at MIT, was instrumental in detecting gravitational waves. Dr Tasneem Zehra Husain, Pakistan's first female string theorist, researches high-energy physics and promotes women in STEM. Dr Fehmida Firdous, a space scientist at Suparco, advances satellite technology, while Dr Amina Zubair contributes to nuclear energy and mentors young physicists. Dr Shahida Hasnain, a microbiologist, won the L'Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Award for her research on bacteria that clean heavy metal pollution.
In higher education, Dr Nasira Khatoon became the first female acting VC of Karachi University, while Dr Bushra Mateen and Dr Farkhanda Manzoor led Lahore College for Women University (LCWU). Dr Shaista Tabassum, Dean Social Sciences (Karachi University) and mentor Center for Alternative Perspectives, served as acting VC of Karachi University and Dr Huma Baqai, Rector MITE, exemplify the role of women in academia, inspiring future generations.
These women broke societal barriers, nurtured minds and empowered generations, proving that an educated woman is a torchbearer for her community.