I am not a proud woman, but I am grateful that nature has nurtured and given me the strength to deal with the challenges of life.

Being a woman has also exposed me to bodily pain sooner than men and also the resilience to get through it every month.

Being born in a patriarchal society also led me to face inequalities at other walks of life and facing eve teasing and similar abuse

early on led to become creative in my ways of handling it or avoiding it.

Being a woman also developed nurturing skills and hence I am able to take care of myself without expectations from others, hence fiercely independent and carrying my own weight, says Kishori, a US based software engineer.

The aim to be at my peak was possible only due to my ambition. I am a proud

woman as I set the norm for generations to follow. Taking care of my ailing parents to boldly facing the OPSC exam and clearing it seems to be very inspiring. With utmost patience I was able to do it. I am

grateful to Allah for giving enough strength and the incredible power to weather any storm, says Sadaf Shuab,OFS-1(SB), Accounts Officer,STA, Cuttack.

Fully aware of the fact that education is a must for the upliftment of my community, in my two-room quarter I accommodate many of my nephews and nieces to pursue their education along with my children. No matter how busy I

am, I lend my ear and hand to the person I care for.I am very lucky as my children have concern for others which makes me a proud woman, says Umme Ruman.

Rukhsana, a maid servant says, “My courage was enough to kick my drunkard husband out of my life and toil hard to look after the children. My asset is me being financially independent. I am a proud woman as being from the

lowest section of the society , what I did many women from well-to-do families fear to take such bold steps and silently suffer. Today men and women play almost equal roles in society but I really feel proud to be a woman. When my child was born, the feeling when you give birth to another human being is indescribable."