Hello again! Today, I want to invite you guys in joining me on a profound journey of introspection as we delve into the intricate interplay between gender norms, cultural expectations, and personal growth. Inspired by two thought-provoking articles assigned to my cohort and I, we have Anitta Harris’ “The ‘Can-Do’ Girl Versus the ‘At-Risk’ Girl” and Iris Marion Young’s “Throwing Like a Girl: A Phenomenology of Feminine Body Comportment, Motility, and Spatiality”. I guess today’s blog will serve as my deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in challenging and navigating gender norms?

Being born and raised in Saudi Arabia and later growing up in Ethiopia, I was acutely aware of the ways in which societal expectations influenced my movements, interactions, and overall sense of self. I observed how subtle cues and norms shaped my behavior, from the way I walked, sat, and occupied physical spaces. Reflecting on my time in these cultural contexts, I recognized that societal expectations molded my movements by prescribing a specific set of behaviors deemed appropriate for a woman in each one. These expectations, although weren’t physically restricting me from doing otherwise, limited my freedom of expression and constrained the full potential of my embodied experiences. As Young references in her piece, society almost reduces women’s condition simply to unintelligibility by “explaining” as an appeal to some natural and ahistorical feminine essence. Young was not making universal claims about how all men and women experience and act in the world, but what is typical of women in a tightly defined historical and cultural situation.

Confronting these norms and navigating the complex interplay between cultural expectations and my own sense of self required deep introspection and critical questioning. I embarked on a personal journey of self-discovery, challenging societal notions, and seeking to reconcile my authentic identity with the expectations imposed upon me. It was not a linear process, but rather an ongoing exploration of who I am and who I aspire to be. This journey involved questioning the messages I had internalized, taking tiny steps to unravel layers of conditioning, and taking notes to redefine my own values and beliefs in the face of societal pressure in the future.

The articles acted as catalysts, igniting a desire within me to cultivate a sense of empowerment rooted in authenticity. They provided language and concepts that clarified my thoughts and emotions, deepening my commitment to challenge societal expectations however they may present themselves to me. By getting to read Harris and Young’s pieces, I gained insight into the ways in which gender norms perpetuate inequality and limit individual potential. While it is easy to point out instances of clear-cut inequality, I was made to think about the different and less obvious restrictions on the lives of young women and girls being just as insidious. For example, with the whole idea of “delay motherhood until you have reached full success as a woman” but then STILL being told that you haven’t reached full success until you have bore children for your husband. It reinforced my belief in the limitless capacity of each individual to shape their own life journey, regardless of societal constraints. This realization led me to make sure I am always fostering a space where everyone’s experiences and perspectives will be valued.

While I acknowledge that challenging societal expectations and fostering a more inclusive and equitable world is an ongoing process and not something that can necessarily be done the next day, these articles have propelled me to take tangible actions. I am already taking part in community-based projects (my internship this summer) that promotes gender equality, highlight the growth of young girls, and individually support organizations dedicated to empowering marginalized voices. Through education, advocacy, and personal growth, I strive to create a ripple effect of positive change in my immediate surroundings and beyond.

Thank you for accompanying me on this deeply personal exploration (ew, I know). I encourage you to embark on your own journeys of reflection, questioning, and growth as we collectively work towards a world that celebrates and respects the inherent worth and agency of every individual.