The touch of a woman

Women’s spirituality is seldom the kind that turns away from the world. Rather, many women recognise spirituality as best expressed when deeply engaged with the relationships, values and emotions. They tend to embrace their responsibilities—rather than escape. So, ordinary women often exhibit extraordinary strength. They refuse to abandon children—or the aged and the ailing—to set out in search of personal gains, or enlightenment. In so doing, women seem to thrive. They understand that nurturing life is harmonious with nurturing their own spirituality.

Do women remain intuitive and empathetic after entering the modern workplace? Girls and boys are born with similar potential. But society tends to teach boys to deny their softer emotions making them vulnerable. Girls are trained to see life’s worth in revolving it around other people. But increasingly, women are rebelling against the concept of sacrificing self for others.

They want to change aggressive practices—rather than accept, submit or get absorbed. Women are pursuing the right to develop their own identities— through education, career and creativity. Some of the changes they are making at the workplace are obvious—more colour, exchange of personal stories, greater sensitivity. Deeper shifts include: commitment to causes beyond career, and a propensity for cooperation rather than competition. There may be more tuning to the needs of the group as a whole, rather than to just oneself.

The world needs a ‘woman’s touch’ more than ever before. Women are taking the lead in opposing wars. They are questioning the injustice of poverty, and of skewed development. They are at the forefront of struggles to save the earth, and to protect children from disease and death. For they know the pain of suffering in flesh, and the great blessing of human contentment when human needs are fulfilled. They know that flesh and spirit are intimately connected—that spirit is immanent in the flesh.

Wednesday is International Women’s Day.