By Valerie Chai Xin Hui
As social norms have evolved, the image of modern women has also changed significantly. A new generation of women has shattered traditional stereotypes and proven they don’t need men to define who they are. Her journey is a testament to independence, resilience, and the pursuit of self-actualisation.
The history of feminism goes back a long time, but the discourse that sparked the feminist movement only appeared in the late 18th century. The earliest feminists were committed to the so-called “man problem”. They criticised women’s restricted role, but they did not necessarily think that women were weak or that men should be blamed for it.
As early as 1963, Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Owe Me” came out. It has attracted the recognition of many women. The lyrics “And don’t tell me what to do, don’t tell me what to say” emphasise that women should not be defined but are independent individuals with self-realisation.
However, advocating for women’s independence does not negate the importance of healthy relationships. Instead, it encourages establishing partnerships built on mutual respect, shared values, and equality. When women are independent, they bring a sense of self-assuredness and confidence to their relationships, contributing to healthier dynamics where both partners can grow and thrive as individuals.
Women value equality, mutual respect, and shared goals. Her relationship with her partner is not dependent. Women understand that personal fulfilment comes from within and that a partner complements her, not completes her.
However, we can often see that the world is malicious towards women, not only in relationships but also in the workplace. Therefore, I want to bring up a few examples of successful women in their careers to tell everyone who reads this feature to realise that women can succeed without relying on men.
“I do think that for anyone who grew up feeling the same way I did — an outsider who was always trying to find their way in a different environment — and anyone who didn’t feel like they were from the same ethnic group they were known for. It is crucial to learn to accept yourself and dare to be who you are,” said Susan Li, chief financial officer at Meta, where she leads the finance and facilities teams.
Confident women succeed professionally and break through glass ceilings and stereotypes.
Many outstanding women like Susan shine in the workplace and make their mark on the world stage. Lisa Su Zi Feng, the world’s highest-paid female CEO, received her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“I walked into a room of about 25 people, and I was probably the only woman.” Lisa Su, AMD’s chairman and CEO, once said this when recalling her early years as an engineer.
In 2014, she was appointed as the first female CEO of AMD.
“When I took over AMD (Advanced Semiconductor Company), AMD was on the verge of bankruptcy. Four consecutive CEO changes failed to save the crisis.”
Her appearance brought AMD back to life, and became a giant in the semiconductor field.
Until women’s consciousness was awakened, women lived in hardship and discrimination for a long time. The term “corset” appeared in England in the early 19th century and marked the beginning of personalised clothing in Western history. However, the corset’s historical roots extend far beyond this century.
Western women have been familiar with the terms “fashion” and “sex appeal” for centuries. Recognising that specific physical characteristics, such as large breasts and round butts, contribute to the perception of femininity, they came up with a seemingly unrealistic solution.
The idea was to wear a corset to make your waist smaller. Despite its seemingly ridiculous and straightforward nature, this approach was surprisingly effective, and its simplicity and effectiveness were proven over time.
Unfortunately, such feudal ideas still exist nowadays. As early as in recent years, women’s clothing sizes have become smaller and smaller, causing many women to feel anxious about their bodies.
For a long time, women have been regarded as the “second sex” and objects to be admired in a patriarchal society. The “male gaze” is sometimes more like an invisible eye that permeates every aspect of life. If women behave slightly carelessly, they will fall into a moral whirlpool, followed by a series of abuses such as “slut shaming”.
The freedom of dressing for women depends on the occasion. For instance, in formal settings, everyone, regardless of gender, is expected to dress neatly. When I mention the freedom of dressing, I mean that women should not be afraid to express themselves through their attire in everyday life due to rigid expectations imposed by men.
The call for women to be independent and not rely on men is for equality, empowerment, and the recognition of each woman’s intrinsic value. Embracing independence allows women to chart their paths, contribute meaningfully to society, and cultivate a sense of self-worth that transcends societal expectations.
As we continue to advocate for gender equality, fostering a culture that champions the independence of women is a vital step towards building a more inclusive and equitable world.
- This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.
