A real woman is a treasure if treated right.
When you take care of something good
That something good takes care of you.
– Source unknown
Today is March 8 – the day we bring chocolates and flowers to the women in our lives. If we are generous, we will also throw in a few words of compliment.
I invite my fellow men to consider life without the nurturing care, soothing love, quiet service and beautifying presence of women. Life would be miserable and dry in the absence of women. Without the affectionate support of mothers, our children will grow to become emotionally handicapped.
Women are hard-working and committed. They have plenty to offer to both children and adults, and to both men and women. Their potentials are untapped. Given the opportunity, they will make our communities and the world a considerably better place.
Women have the God-given responsibilities and corresponding skills to give birth to and raise children, and to nurture and take care of their families. They are best qualified to nurture and provide emotional support to the entire family. In addition, they are capable and called upon to do far more than that.
Unfortunately, centuries-old cultural norms and stereotypes prevent women from reaching their potential. Our sole vision for them is to be baby factories, raise the children, cook, clean and wash. We limit their education because we don’t want them to pursue careers. We don’t encourage them to take the risks that are essential for success. We reprimand them for speaking up. Some societies even murder unborn girls.
Men are certainly called to protect and defend members of the physically weaker gender. Yet, we often confuse this with a license to treat them as our servants.
We raise our children with double standards. We allow boys to get away with many things. Yet, we subject girls to a strict code of conduct and discipline.
Jesus was a revolutionary. In an age when women had almost no rights, He raised eyebrows by protecting and honoring them. His first post-resurrection appearance was to women. He disarmed and shamed those who were ready to stone a woman caught in sin.
Suppressing and limiting women will only backfire on us. Our children will not receive the best upbringing they can receive from emotionally healthy and well-educated mothers. Our organizations will miss out on the unique perspective that only empowered women can bring. Companies will not benefit from the unique and enriching contributions that only well-educated and dedicated women can make. In an age when well-meaning and gifted leaders are in short supply, barring women from leadership positions only exacerbates the problem.
As we prepare the gift packages of flowers and chocolate, let us also throw in genuine respect, liberating empowerment, motivational encouragement, and unwavering support to enable women to reach their dreams. We will certainly enjoy hefty dividends for the rest of our lives.
The truth shall set us free.
Harout Nercessian
AMAA Armenia Representative
