Fragments of Identity

Chapter 1: What a woman should be.

Flight to Freedom/Journey to Freedom

Have you ever felt being tied down? Have you ever felt like doubting whether your choices are right? Have you ever felt caged, preventing you from exploring?

"You're supposed to be quiet, docile, and obedient. That's what a woman should be."

These phrases are the ones that we often hear.

"Cleaning and housework should always be done by women. The only role for a woman is to take care of her family and stay at home. A woman should take care or her skin. A woman should listen to what men says. A woman should be submissive to her husband. A woman should act like a woman."

Does hearing these phrases brings constant pain in our ears, hearts, and minds?

I couldn't do anything way back then.

"I want to try new things. Maybe have my ship?"

"You're not eligible to have your own ship, Samantha." He chuckled a bit. "Besides, you're already fine staying here, doing house chores."

I couldn't hide the disappointment plastered on my face as I look at myself. I saw her looking at me. Pity was evident in her eyes... Those eyes... I hate them. I have always hate the reflection of myself.

"You should be fine here, Samantha. This is what's best for you, believe me. You can't survive outside. It'll be too much for you. Without me, your husband, who knows what will happen to you?" He smiled.

I tried to object. To try what I want. To explore and to see what outside looks like.

To live in a society where people perceives us as women who can't stand on their own and can't do anything without men's guidance. Isn't that too harsh?

I want to be in a ship and witness the beauty of the sea like what they say.

"You can't change my mind. I am the man of this house! You are obliged to follow all my instructions!"

Having someone to tell us what to do, to command, and to instruct, making us do anything even when we don't want to. Losing our voices because we weren't allowed to. Making us feel inferior and weak because that's what men perceives us. Isn't that too cruel?

Women should be loved no matter what they are. They should be treasured. Not caged. Their wings shouldn't be cut, help them grow instead.

"Hey, Samantha! Get down!" I chuckled when I heard the old man's voice.

I closed the book I was holding to look up above the blue sky. Ignoring the old man's call.

I stood up. I heard the old man's voice getting louder and louder but I couldn't take my eyes off the clear and blue sky.

A woman should be free.

I spread my arms. Letting the warm, and salty breeze hug every part of my body.

I once lost my voice. I was once unfavored, and unlucky. But I fought.

"Samantha! Get down! You might fall into the ocean!"

I chuckled and playfully throw the book on him. I jump off from the bow of the ship and went towards the old man who saved me, only to get a flick on the forehead.

"You silly, don't make me worry!" I chuckled and hug him.

"Sorry, grandpa. I was just having fun. This is my first time." I saw him smile. It made my heart melt.

Here is the old man who helped me. My grandfather who objected when my parents married me off to a rich man who knows nothing but to decide what's good for me  Because for him, I am nothing but a woman who can't keep up with the world.

I was once caged. My feet were chained. My hands were tied. My mouth were covered. My ears were only meant to listen and obey. But that was all in the past.

We should not let people to tell us what we should do. What we must act. What we must not do. And not let people forbid the things we want to do.

Men maybe stronger than women, but we, as women, can fight for what we think is right. A woman can do what a man ca do. She can even do it twice.

In order for a woman to be free, she must learn how to speak and defend for herself. She must have a backbone, since a woman can only rely on herself. And rely on someone who we can truly trust.