This issue pertains to girls born in the 1990s or early 2000s, particularly in South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. During their teenage years, they face significant challenges in navigating their emotions and bodily changes, yet they lack guidance on how to handle these issues. This is because these societies have been primarily focused on survival and economic development due to past wars, leaving little room for discussions about self-love, self-care, and personal needs, especially for girls. While not universal, many girls in economically disadvantaged families mature quickly and grapple with adult concerns earlier than expected.
Recently, I've observed a contrast with countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, which emphasize the concept of "cute" during the teenage years, particularly between ages 15 and 18. In South Asian societies, these four crucial years are often dominated by a focus on education and career development, which is essential, but they miss out on teaching girls how to manage their emotions and their rapidly changing bodies during this critical phase. Adolescence is marked by hormonal changes that can lead to variations in body shape, and this period can be challenging for girls, with some becoming thin, others chubby, and many facing unpredictable transformations.
In South Asian cultures, societal expectations force these girls to adopt adult roles prematurely, depriving them of the opportunity to enjoy their teenage years. In contrast, other Asian societies allow teenagers to relish this phase and transition to adulthood in their 20s. In South Asian dramas, education is initially emphasized, but the plot often veers towards a narrative where a girl's pursuit of a guy for financial security becomes the focal point. Subsequently, the storyline shifts to her struggles with in-laws to maintain her marriage, all while she's pregnant. This cycle perpetuates in these dramas.
During these four crucial years, girls in South Asia also face the challenge of finding appropriate clothing that accommodates their ever-changing bodies. Different girls have different experiences due to genetic factors and family dynamics, making it hard for them to find clothes that fit comfortably. This further perpetuates the feeling of not meeting society's standards. While beauty standards exist in other regions like Korea, there's room for more diverse expressions of personal style, allowing some girls to adopt a tomboyish look and be comfortable with it.
While it's true that significant modern changes have taken place in South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, it's essential to note that these transformations are primarily concentrated in major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Dhaka, and Karachi. These urban areas have experienced more rapid progress in terms of social and economic shifts.
However, it's equally important to recognize that these changes haven't reached every corner of these countries. Girls from economically advantaged backgrounds are often shielded from the issues described earlier, but those without financial resources continue to grapple with these challenges. The concern here lies in bridging the economic disparity gap to ensure that all girls, regardless of their financial circumstances, benefit from the evolving societal changes.
Although progress is occurring, it's happening at a relatively slow pace. It will take time before we see all girls enjoying a happy and healthy transition from childhood to adulthood, cherishing their teenage years with beautiful memories.
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