Solo Women Travellers

Now on a high.

- Dr Elsa Lycias Joel

I decided to write on ‘solo women travellers’ because there was a time when a woman’s place was in the home. As she whiled away those hours in home chores, tending to old people and kids with contentment, she looked forward to the end of the day when she could rest awhile, in her own world of dreams and fantasy. How did we not know she dreamt of going out into the real world, realised her selfworth in terms of money, dignity and, most of all, see the world?

Around the world, people weave into everyday life the idea that all men are superior to women in anything and that women are vulnerable all the time. In modern times, not being beaten into a state of slavery by whips and chains doesn’t mean all women, working and otherwise, are empowered. Persuading women into something by words and teachings of centuries-old traditions haven’t stopped. Though it’s not faith in these words that continue to bind women but the ‘fear of the unknown’ prevents many from living their dreams. We’re too scared of the unknown and never set even a timorous toe out of our comfort zones. Looking up to heroes who have challenged these conventions to explore their world in their own terms is a motivation to break free. So, remember…

“You are still young, free. Do yourself a favour. Before it's too late, without thinking too much about it first, pack a pillow and a blanket and see as much of the world as you can. You will not regret it. One day, it will be too late.”