by Meena Menezes

Created on: June 29, 2010

PROUD TO BE A WOMAN -

When I decided to take up kickboxing, my friends were terribly worried. While I appreciated their concern, I soon realised that they were worried, not for me, but for my husband, who they feared would be on the receiving end of my new-found interest. I was not amused and really, with friends like these, who needs enemies. How they could even think of me as the violent sort was beyond my understanding, when I wouldn't even hurt a fly; well actually, I do swat when my space is invaded - flies I mean, not my husband.

However, I think they must have been relieved when they realised that I was taking aerobic kick-boxing and not the self-defence technique. Aerobic kickboxing helps out the lower and upper body, reduces stress, raises the level of self-esteem and both types are great for cardiovascular health too. Furthermore, you can burn up to 800 calories per hour and have fun doing it as well. While I certainly consider this a win-win situa tion, it also made me realise that eyebrows are still raised when women venture into what is considered male territory.

 For instance, the gym was for the longest-time considered a totally male domain and it was unheard of to find women using the various machines, until they eventually entered the fitness arena and are now very much there to stay. The same applies in the corporate world. Despite the fact that some of us may be as qualified or even more so, than our male colleagues, we are often side-lined and not given the recognition we deserve.

Why is it assumed that just because we are women we can't excel, that we can't walk side by side in what is still pretty much considered 'a man's world' ? I find it frustrating that even now, despite the changing times and mindset, we still have to constantly prove our mettle to gain acceptance and be taken seriously. However, what is admirable is that many of us are still not deterred and refuse to back down. If anything, it has mad e us push ourselves beyond our limitations and made us stronger.

 Womanhood is a state of mind. It is up to us. We can be as assertive or as meek as we want to be. We can fight back and break through the glass ceiling and be strong, despite our fears. Irrespective of whether we choose to stay home and take care of our family, which is a 24-hour thankless job that has never been given the recognition it truly deserves, or whether we are out there rubbing shoulders with other career-focused men and women, we are a force to reckon with.

Let us not forget that the road to success was never paved with gold. Yet therein lies our strength; in the courage to cross the stumbling blocks that face us, the perseverance and patience to prove our abilities and believe that we can and we will succeed.

 So proud to be a woman !

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