The Unseen Struggle of the Modern Successful Woman
In a world that champions progress and equality, it's disheartening to see that the weight of the "mental load" often falls disproportionately on the shoulders of women. The expectation that women should naturally assume the role of household managers, bearing the burden of chores and familial responsibilities, persists in our supposedly liberated 21st-century society.
Yesterday this below article in the Indian Express, invited me to watch this French legal drama, ‘Anatomy of a Fall’. As I watched this movie that delves deep into this societal phenomenon, I found myself thinking of multiple realities that our women deal with on almost daily basis.
The film challenges the conventional narrative of a woman's role in a family, shedding light on the unspoken expectations that continue to linger. The protagonist, Sandra, epitomizes the modern, successful woman who strives to balance career and family without conforming to traditional stereotypes.
In relationships and households, women are often expected to be the managers of household chores, carrying the mental burden of remembering and organizing tasks. This overburdening is often justified by the assumption that women are the natural executors of these chores. How many times have you heard, "You should've asked," when feeling overwhelmed by the weight of household responsibilities?
Sandra's character challenges the status quo by refusing to succumb to the expected responsibilities imposed on women. She unapologetically pursues her ambitions, even at the expense of societal norms that dictate her primary role should be that of a caregiver. This thought-provoking story prompts us to question the double standards that persist in our society. Would Sandra be vilified if her husband were the successful novelist, and she the one navigating the challenges of balancing it all?
The director of the movie brilliantly articulates the underlying theme: "I wanted to show how a woman might come under attack precisely because of her intelligence, ambition, and her mental fortitude."
Sandra's character is a stark reminder of the scrutiny women face when choosing to lead lives that defy traditional expectations. It highlights the pressing need for a shift in societal attitudes towards embracing diverse roles and recognizing that intelligence, ambition, and mental fortitude are not gender-specific attributes.
Let's engage in conversations that challenge these stereotypes, encourage equality, and celebrate the diverse paths women choose to take. It's time to break free from the shackles of outdated expectations and build a society that appreciates and supports the choices of every individual, regardless of gender.
RK (Rama Krishna) is a Master Coach | Facilitator | Curious Human, with three decades of Leadership, Learning & Organisation Development experience, across industries.
He is Co-Founder of ProventusHR - A Bespoke Learning & HR Advisory
He writes occasionally and can be reached at: