EDITORIAL - The essence of being a woman

What is the essence of being a woman? The question became popular when it was asked during a Miss Universe pageant here in the country. Soon after, all beauty contests, even in the remotest of barangays, would not be complete without organizers having to ask contestants the question. Since March is considered Women's Month, let us try to dissect what is the real meaning of being a woman.

For some being a woman means being beautiful. This is probably why cosmetics, facials, hair treatments, pedicures, manicures and the likes are very popular among females. True enough, women do spend more time grooming themselves compared to the opposite gender. Women are considered to be the masters when it comes to beautification. Some women can even do wonders to themselves even with just a comb! Beyond physical beauty, being a woman also means having beauty from within. Women are gentle, kind-hearted, understanding, patient, loyal and helpful. Women are more sensitive to the feelings of others and can patiently deal with the complexities of life. This is probably why women usually take care of the children. Their gentle and caring ways are more appealing to the young ones.

Being a woman also means having confidence and self-respect. It takes confidence for women to continue to strive for betterment in a society that considers men to be superior. The growing number of women doing things that were once considered to be "men's work" is proof that women are slowly breaking the biases of society.

And since more and more women are now finding their places in a world dominated by men, being a woman also means having inner strength. Yes, a lot of women may look fragile but this just the outer covering. Behind that fragile outer layer is a strength that can very well equal a man.

There are many definitions of the essence of womanhood. This is because being a woman is actually a lot of things. But probably the most apt meaning of being a woman is this: The essence of womanhood is being able to combine gentleness and strength - gentle because this is a woman's nature and strength because this is what she needs to survive in the real world.