Embracing Your Femininity
Dear Intentional Reader, Before you start reading, pause for a moment and breathe. Focus on exhaling. Breathe in. Hold for six seconds. Now breathe out. This post is for women—especially African women. That breathing exercise wasn’t random; it was intentional, meant to help you release stress, soften your body, and return to calm. This piece was inspired by conversations I’ve had with a couple of female friends, as well as recurring discussions I see online. I’ve heard men — and even women say that African women are “too hard,” “too aggre$$ive,” or “not feminine enough.” Let's talk about why that is so from my perspective. Disclaimer: While reading, remember this doesn't apply to every African woman, nor is it the reality in every African home. I am coming from the angle of women whose "h@rd girl" behavior was shaped or influenced by these experiences growing up. From childhood, the typical African girl child is often unintentionally raised with survival instinct...