Motherhood is multifaceted, demanding, and challenging—and ampli- fies stress. Yet it’s a lovely and beautiful journey, especially when you have a mom who takes on and shares this journey with you. With God’s grace, everything will be okay, and I will keep fighting for myself, my kids, and my mom.
Shikha Agarwal TP in India
I am a mother of a 9-year-old son, and my name is Shikha Agarwal. As a parent, I am deeply committed to nurturing my son with val- ues and life lessons that will help him grow into a respectful and compassionate individual. One of the core values I emphasize is the importance of respecting wom- en. In our society, while we often teach our girls how to behave, it is equally crucial to teach our boys to respect women. As they say, charity begins at home. It is my responsibility as a mother to instill this respect in my son from a young age. Growing up, I was the only girl among my siblings and cousins in a house full of boys. My parents always treated me as an equal to my brothers, but societal restrictions were imposed on me simply because I was a girl. These experiences have shaped my perspective and reinforced my belief in gender equality. Living in a joint family bound by old traditions and beliefs, the situation of women in my house was often challenging. Despite my parents’ pro- gressive mindset, the extended family adhered to conventional norms that often limited the freedom and opportunities available to women. This environment made me acutely aware of the disparities and fueled my determination to advocate for change. I strive to teach my son that respect for women is non-negotiable. This includes understanding and valuing their contributions, recognizing their rights, and treating them with kindness and dignity. I believe that by nurturing these values in him, I am contributing to a more equitable and respectful society. In our daily lives, I encourage open conversations about gender equality and respect. I lead by example, showing him how to treat everyone with fairness and empathy. We discuss the importance of standing up against injustice and supporting one another, regardless of gender.
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SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
LETTERS TO MOTHERS
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