3. A WORKING WOMAN WAS BORN (YEAR 1960)

STRESS, SUCCESS AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN
The Highs and Lows of A Woman’s Journey in the Corporate World

CARE: This is Chapter 3 of my book Stress, Success and Everything In-Between. These are individual anecdotes but to understand the professional journey in totality, I would recommend reading the book from Chapter 01 onwards.

In the early 1960s, when I was in my pre-teen years, I witnessed a man in my neighbourhood beating his wife mercilessly. This was a recurring event that disturbed me deeply every day.

One day, I asked my mother, "Why does she tolerate her husband's daily abuse? Why doesn't she leave him?"

My mother replied with a level but mournful tone, "Where will she go with her four small children? Who will take care of her?"

"Why does she endure the physical violence every day? She can work somewhere and live independently," I protested.

"It's not that simple, my child. She is illiterate and won't find work. Furthermore, raising four children alone will be impossible," my mother explained.

"Why can't she return to her parents?"

"Her parents are old and sick, and they also depend on their son, who is not financially stable," my mother replied with agony.

"Then what is the solution for women in this situation?"

"Women must become financially independent. Only when they can support themselves will they be treated as equals," my mother explained.

 

I learned a valuable lesson that day: financial independence is the key to controlling one's life. I had a clear goal for my future: to study hard, establish a career, and never depend on anyone financially.

 

If a woman wishes to rise from a subordinate level in the society, she must first learn to be self-reliant. Financial independence is undoubtedly the cornerstone of one's independence and self-respect.

If I want to hold my head high, I must not depend on anyone financially, I told myself.

A future working woman was born that day!

(To be continued....)