Women who Challenged Stereotypes
It is no secret that women have been oppressed and stereotypes many MANY times. Be it “women are weak and emotional” or “women can’t drive”, it is something we were born with.
These comments haunt us all the time. One such stereotype that has been stuck with our gender since ancient times is “women are not fit for being leaders”.
Yet many amazing women in our history has defied these words and made sexist men’s blood boil.
Let us take an example of Cleopatra, one of the most powerful women in the history of our planet. Cleopatra VII was the last in her dynasty to rule.
Her reign brought almost 22 years of prosperity in Egypt. Not to mention she is also said to be the doom of famous Roman generals, Mark Antony Julius Caesar. She also bought an end to the Republic. But why do we assume that she was the one who initiated a relationship with those two? Why no one talks about Antony and Caesar’s countless other affairs? Why are powerful women only defined by their sexuality? It was the fear of Roman men that ended the ended the Republic. Not the woman herself.
But I don’t think that matters when she did a marvelous job at what she was supposed to do as a queen.
She was a great leader. She stabilized the economy, removed corruption and opened the granaries for public when drought hit all while maintaining her kingdom’s independence and stability.
Not only that but she was very well educated by one of the finest libraries in the world in her city, she spoke several different languages, no revolts broke during her rule and her wits are what bought not only boys but everyone to the yard.
Her reign is still praised about to this day. What can we say, she was a fascinating woman. Though we might not know what she looked like but her stories still remain strong.
Sure there might be many myths surrounding her but we can always conclude to the fact she was indeed an incredible lady.
Devyanshi Bahety
Class 9th 'B'
Choithram School, Indore
It is no secret that women have been oppressed and stereotypes many MANY times. Be it “women are weak and emotional” or “women can’t drive”, it is something we were born with.
These comments haunt us all the time. One such stereotype that has been stuck with our gender since ancient times is “women are not fit for being leaders”.
Yet many amazing women in our history has defied these words and made sexist men’s blood boil.
Let us take an example of Cleopatra, one of the most powerful women in the history of our planet. Cleopatra VII was the last in her dynasty to rule.
Her reign brought almost 22 years of prosperity in Egypt. Not to mention she is also said to be the doom of famous Roman generals, Mark Antony Julius Caesar. She also bought an end to the Republic. But why do we assume that she was the one who initiated a relationship with those two? Why no one talks about Antony and Caesar’s countless other affairs? Why are powerful women only defined by their sexuality? It was the fear of Roman men that ended the ended the Republic. Not the woman herself.
But I don’t think that matters when she did a marvelous job at what she was supposed to do as a queen.
She was a great leader. She stabilized the economy, removed corruption and opened the granaries for public when drought hit all while maintaining her kingdom’s independence and stability.
Not only that but she was very well educated by one of the finest libraries in the world in her city, she spoke several different languages, no revolts broke during her rule and her wits are what bought not only boys but everyone to the yard.
Her reign is still praised about to this day. What can we say, she was a fascinating woman. Though we might not know what she looked like but her stories still remain strong.
Sure there might be many myths surrounding her but we can always conclude to the fact she was indeed an incredible lady.
Devyanshi Bahety
Class 9th 'B'
Choithram School, Indore