For years, women have been living in a shell. Owing to the patriarchal structure of Indian society, women in general are hesitant to do a lot of things. They think twice keeping in mind the repercussions of their actions. This hesitation and guilt have led to a lot of women suppressing their desires and feelings.

Though things are changing and women are breaking barriers, it is still a long way to go.

As we enter the New Year, there are a lot of things we want to see women do without hesitation. Let’s make 2023 the year where we conquer our fears and live unabashedly.  

Dear Women, 2023 will be the Year of Guilt-free Choices

• Every Woman should have a Voice

As women, our voices matter. Often, our opinions and views are deemed insignificant only because we’re women. Let this year change that. Speak up and express your thoughts without any worry. When one woman speaks up without any hesitation, so many others around the world feel empowered. Don’t let the fear of rejection or embarrassment hold you back. Whether it is verbally or in writing, don’t shy away from expressing your thoughts. Sometimes, it may be difficult due to cultures and pressures of society but once you realise you have a voice, you will begin experiencing unparalleled joy.

• Cancelling Plans

Let’s accept it, we all need our downtime. As much as we all love our friends and family, there are days when we just feel like bailing, right? Do you commit initially and then have a tough time saying no? Well, I’ve been in that spot so I exactly know how it feels. This year, I have decided to cancel plans without stressing about what my friends will think. Your intentions and boundaries may be honest but you might end up with plans you want to cancel. Honestly, if something isn’t working for you, you can back out without thinking about the consequences. Don’t hesitate or overthink the situation.

• Saying No

Women often have a hard time saying NO on the personal and professional front. For example, even if they’re not in a mood for sex, they simply give in only to please their partners. They do so because they don’t want them to get upset. This mentality has to change. A lot of women complain that men usually don’t like taking no for an answer. Well, saying no is an emotionally intelligent skill which women should master this year. Saying no is not just limited to the bedroom. Even out of the house or at work, women should cultivate the habit of saying no. If you’re saying yes only to please your boss, you’re causing more harm than good.

• Breastfeed in Public

Breastfeeding in public remains a controversial issue. This year, we want to see women breastfeed in public confidently without being embarrassed. There are enormous benefits of it for the baby and mom, so why the stigma? That’s because a woman’s breasts are her private parts. Well, it doesn’t have to be done openly. When a baby is hungry, women should be able to breastfeed wherever they are without thinking. Nursing in public should be every new mom’s basic right.

• To Walk Away from an Unhappy Marriage

If you need to leave your marriage, you should. In India, a significantly large number of women stay in marriages even if they’re unhappy. That’s because they fear financial insecurity and social embarrassment. This year, women should let go of slipping into survival mode. Instead, they should walk out when they realise that their marriage has been falling apart for years. Of course, it’s easier said than done. However, once you do it, you will realise you’re definitely in a better space.

• Leave their Job

Ladies, if your job is demanding or if your boss is a pain in the a**, it’s a sign you should quit. Don’t hesitate or worry about what next? Believe in yourself and plenty of opportunities will come your way. Irrespective of the outcome, the experience will teach you. For a while, you may be without a job but you will become more confident and learn from your disappointment.

• Ask for a Raise

As per a report by Harappa Education, 90% of women hesitate to ask for a raise at work. Research shows men are four times more likely than women to ask for a salary raise. Honestly, women should never hesitate to ask for anything. As women, we need to get rid of the fear of how we will be perceived if we ask for anything. The reason behind this is that a lot of female employees are paranoid about their job security. This attitude must change. If women are working as hard as men, they deserve equal pay at work too. Thus, never get scared or hesitate to ask for a raise if you really think you deserve it.

• Missing Milestones

When it comes to marriage and kids, society seems to have a really strict timeline. For example, you should be married by 30, have kids by 34, etc. Here’s a gentle reminder from us in 2023. Don’t be bothered by what people say. Don’t hesitate to get married at 35, and have kids at 40. Ultimately, it’s your life and you deserve to live it on a schedule that works best for you.

• Making Mistakes

You’ve probably heard the idiom “to err is human, to forgive divine”. Well, strangely, it doesn’t seem to apply to women. Every woman seems to be in a quest to achieve perfectionism. Women who make mistakes are shunned. Dear women, please don’t live in this rat race. You are allowed to make mistakes without shame. This is what will lead to learning opportunities and growth. Let go of the notion that making mistakes is a guilt-inducing experience.

As Oprah Winfrey says “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for”.

Here’s wishing all you wonderful women a Happy New Year. Let’s make it our year, girls!