Living up to society expectations of a woman Pashnie Govender writes
She’s professionally successful, slim, prim, proper and polished in makeup walking in her stilettos confidently. Oh and she’s married and birth a child before the age of thirty. Why do we expect the representation of imperfect people to be perfect? We allow men to be flawed. Why not women? So what are these expectations? For a woman to be recognised as
lady like, she has to be educated, physically fit, be able to socialize but not slut shamed, birth children, domesticated, attend to her husband and raise children as keeper of the home. The challenging part is achieving these standards by a certain age. This is not a brag like Beyonce’s “if I were a boy”-indeed would be a carefree lazy life. As a young lady in my twenties I’d like to share a realisation that we need to reach some sort of equilibrium with the male folks. I don’t accept society’s benchmark on accomplishments according to a significant age. It seems like unnecessary pressure accepted because others have perceived us to be as they would prefer. We are living in the day of age whereby women are no longer oppressed by men. Feminism has won over professionally however society’s expectations continue to evaluate the achievements of women. Inevitably, society at large reacts with dismay at a woman that is professionally successful and not married or married and has not birth a child by thirty or forty. One wonders if the tables have turned. Women have earned a seat in the work place and quite successful on many levels however, each day reveals characteristics that a woman should possess. Accomplishing a tick on the checklist for every category ranging from home, family and outside the home needs would make every lady super woman even though it can be exhausting and perhaps neglect on the health. On the operative side, sacrificing lady like chores ruins the reputation of been a woman. The manufacture of innovative ways to improve our physical traits creates more competition and influences on acceptance. Why do women allow the influence of laser treatments, chest lifts or skin tone enhancements? Because this is the extent women are willing to go for the sake of acceptance and avoid any form of unsolicited commentary. A woman that has delivered a baby will sure have a bump given the biological effect. This is the beauty of nature not a tummy tuck competition. Achieving goals should be an epitome in a woman’s life cycle. Live a child free life like Jennifer Aniston, marry a guy that is younger than you ummm Aishwariya Rai did it or write a book that may raise eyebrows like Erika Leonard’s fifty shade of grey. Retract satisfying the expectation of others the way they think you should be. “The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before” – Alebert Einstein.
Even though it all seems so energy draining – it’s not impossible. Somebody out there has done it and left a legacy to the woman hood. It’s not impossible if Kerieen Deodutt Lucas (top notch business woman of KNR beauty as well as model at Models international) is practising her professional expertise daily whilst fulfilling her responsibilities as a wife and mum. I was fortunate to converse with the talented Super woman.
Who is your role model?
Role model is my mum she is the most giving , kind hearted, loyal, down to earth person she so inspirational. If I can be have the women she is one day I will be an accomplished women. Do you have a work/family life balance?
I have very long days but I enjoy every moment of it I try fit gym in 4 times a week. I'm a very hands on mummy to my 6 month old son. I also have an amazing hubby who is also a very hands on dad so I have lots of help. Apart from been a full time lecturer at KNR nail and beauty academy as well and the Durban nail educator for ezflow I also model for Models international so getting back in shape after my baby was definitely hard work. As a model u need to be looking your best. Been a working class mum and maintaining a healthy physic a high expectation.. What is Kerien's tips? You need to follow a diet personally it does not work for me lol. I do believe in a healthy lifestyle. Healthy living and healthy eating. Your body just needs 20 percent of gym and 80 percent of correct eating. U are what you eat
Is it essential for women to always look prim and perfect? I firmly believe not only if u a model u must look your best, but every women should take care of themselves and look best always I do think every lady is beautiful in their own way but with a little bit of makeup and well groomed hair and nails. Just enhances their beauty and gives them more confidence to go about their daily lives. What comes to mind when the following are mentioned? Diamonds When I hear the word diamond it is of course a girl’s best friend Food Food anything home cooked. I'm not a fan of eating out love home cooked meals my favourite is veg briyani. Shopping Shopping is one of my favourite hobbies love to see the new fashion and latest trends. Makeup Makeup I only use kryolan. Beauty therapy (facials /manicures)
Facials I love regima peels and microdermabrasion. Facial products my favourite cream is regima scar repair. And I never leave the house without sunblock.