Empowering Women: Why Success Shouldn't Be Limited by Gender
Written on
Chapter 1: The Viral Tweet that Sparked a Conversation
Recently, I experienced a surge of attention on Twitter after sharing a thought-provoking incident that illustrates the societal views surrounding women's success.
While enjoying a typical Sunday, I stumbled upon a tweet from a man disparaging a popular figure in my country for acquiring a new car. His message read: "Did you know that even with 20 years of experience in medicine or engineering, you could never afford that vehicle? I’ll say no more." This comment implied that, in the Dominican Republic, despite educational accomplishments, a woman would struggle to purchase a new car without the financial backing of a wealthy man.
This perspective reflects a harsh reality: the average salary here is merely $270 per month. The individual in question is a media personality, and it’s common for women in similar professions to seek financial support from affluent partners.
Opportunities certainly exist, but they often seem skewed towards men, as suggested by the original tweet. Many women responded by expressing their disillusionment with their careers, feeling they would never achieve meaningful success. This made me uneasy because I knew those sentiments were misguided.
Having worked diligently as an engineer and writer since I was 18, I have reached numerous milestones independently. In response to the negativity, I tweeted to uplift women:
"I've completed four years of engineering and managed to buy a Porsche. Ladies, there are paths to success beyond relying on a man. You are capable of so much more. Remember, a car is not the measure of success; prioritize what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. While I adore sports cars, don’t feel obligated to chase that dream if it’s not yours. Ultimately, a car is just a means of transportation."
My aim was to empower women in my country, illustrating that success is achievable without male dependence, especially in a nation grappling with poverty and limited resources. Many women lack the means or education to support themselves, necessitating guidance towards independence. I hoped my tweet would inspire some of my followers, but it unexpectedly went viral, garnering over 300,000 views at the time of writing. This traction prompted a wave of backlash from men upset by my achievements.
Section 1.1: The Backlash of Success
The reactions I received were telling. While many women offered support and congratulations, numerous men questioned the legitimacy of my success. Here are some common responses:
"Four years of engineering just to take a picture with a parked car?"
This was a sentiment echoed by multiple men who doubted my ability to acquire such an asset.
Another frequent remark was, "Did you earn your degree while living with your parents?" implying that women could only succeed with the privilege of familial support. My own journey, characterized by hard work and self-sufficiency, contradicts that assumption.
Some men resorted to calculations: "A Porsche costs at least $50,000. Your living expenses alone are $800 a month. You must earn only $500 a month." Their attempts at mathematical validation missed the mark, as I earn significantly more through my career in software engineering and various side projects.
Section 1.2: Misconceptions and Stereotypes
Accusations of dishonesty were rampant: "You’re lying," "You must work for the government," and critiques about my parking skills filled my notifications. These comments reflected an unwillingness to accept that a woman could thrive on her own merit.
A common thread emerged: many men appeared threatened by the notion of female independence. They insinuated that my achievements must be tied to a man’s influence, as though a woman’s success without male assistance was unfathomable.
This resistance is deeply rooted in the fear that women are no longer controllable, particularly when financial independence is at play. For years, women had to endure abusive situations due to financial constraints, but that narrative is changing. As women increasingly gain education and career opportunities, many men feel threatened by this shift.
Chapter 2: Breaking the Cycle of Doubt
The first video, "304's Got DISMANTLED On Why Men DON'T Need Women To Succeed!" highlights the societal pressures and misconceptions about women's independence and success.
The second video, "The reason men hate successful women!" delves into the roots of sexism and the fear of female empowerment.
Ultimately, the comments I received reveal a broader issue: no matter what choices a woman makes, there will always be criticism from some quarters. The woman who received a car as a gift faced backlash for relying on a man, while I was attacked for achieving success independently.
The key takeaway is to focus on personal happiness, as seeking approval from others is a futile endeavor.
What can we do about this issue?
As women, it’s crucial to uplift one another and showcase our capabilities. I was encouraged by the outpouring of support from women in response to my tweet, and I want to continue inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
We must challenge the notion that success is contingent upon a wealthy partner and work to educate others about the true potential of women.
Final Thoughts
These insights stem from the reactions to my tweet, and while numerous factors influence this discourse, I felt compelled to address it. Many women worldwide grapple with similar challenges, often unaware of their potential for independence.
As I mentioned earlier, material possessions do not define success. A car is merely a tool for transportation; what truly matters is the pursuit of happiness. My intention in sharing my experience was to motivate women to recognize their capacity for achieving goals through hard work and integrity.
Let’s not allow societal norms to dictate our paths. We can excel on our own merit, and it is essential to encourage others to do the same.
Don't miss out on my future articles; consider subscribing to my email list.