Growing up in a society where traditional gender roles were deeply ingrained, I quickly noticed a subtle yet pervasive disregard for what women could achieve. It wasn’t pronounced, but the message was clear: there were limitations to what I could do, simply because I was a woman. Whether it was the expectation that certain tasks were "men's work" or the assumption that I couldn’t excel in certain areas. This attitude I inspired me to be more.
Instead of accepting the boundaries imposed on me, I chose to push beyond them. I decided that whatever task I set my mind to, I would do it exceptionally well. This mindset led me to take on activities that many would typically outsource or hire someone else to do. I became my own handyman, or rather, handywoman. 😁 😁
It started with simple things—mending my shoes, fixing minor electrical problems, and even doing some basic carpentry work around my room. I also have the tools for these chores.
I wasn't formally trained in any of these areas, but I learned through observation. Watching how others especially my brothers did it, I picked up the skills, and with a bit of trial and error, I could handle the basics. In the situation where I needed more knowledge, my elder brother is always available.
One of the more interesting challenges I faced was managing the limited electrical outlets in my room.I have several gadgets that need to be powered—my phone,lamp, a steam iron, grinder, and an electric cooker, to name a few. But with only one socket available, I had to get creative.
A while ago, I tried to add another socket to the existing one in my room. Unfortunately, the cable I used turned out to be of poor quality. It exploded suddenly so I had to disconnect. The problem persisted: how could I power multiple devices with just one socket?
The solution came. I have an extension box that has a damaged cable. But I had previously replaced it with a new one strong enough to allow me plug my iron. I realized that I could use the cable of the extension box to create a more efficient setup. I carefully cut a small part of the cable, reconnected the cable at the point I'd cut. I then connected the plug of my electric cooker to the point I joined together.
With this new setup, I was able to plug the cable with the cooker plug hanging in it into the single wall socket and power both my cooker and the extension box. The box has multiple spaces I could plug other gadgets.
It was a simple yet effective solution, and one that might seem unconventional, especially in a society where women are not typically expected to engage in such DIY projects. But for me, it was a moment of pride. Not only had I solved a problem, but I had done it using skills that I had taught myself.
Some might see these activities as odd or unnecessary—things that should be left to professionals or, at the very least, men. But to me, they represent something far more significant. They are a testament to my refusal to be limited by societal expectations. They show that with determination and a willingness to learn, I can do anything I set my mind to, no matter how "weird" or unconventional it might seem.
I’m not undermining the importance of professionals or men, no! I’ve taken on challenges that many wouldn’t expect from a woman, and in doing so, I’ve proven that there’s nothing I can’t do. So yes, it’s great—and it’s just the beginning.