Throughout history, women fought hard to open doors and opportunities that now allow many of them to be whoever they want to be, whether that’s a scientist, a business owner, a mom, a wife, or all of the above. However, numerous misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding womanhood still exist to this day, interfering with the growth and empowerment of half of the world's population.
To squash the lingering clichés about women, we’re looking at unfiltered photos and stories depicting what it really means to be a female, courtesy of the Women In Real Life Instagram account. Scroll down to find them, and be sure to upvote the ones that made you realize how amazing women actually are.
While you're at it, don't forget to check out a conversation with women's wellness advocate, educator, and founder of Mom Wife Worship Life, Alexandria Smith, who kindly agreed to share with us ways we can further support women’s progress and equality.
#2
My hubby snapped this pic as I fell asleep sitting up, breastfeeding our 2 week old twins. Exhausted doesn’t fully describe this experience as I was healing from 2 types of births (Baby A vaginal, Baby B cesarean) and my body is working non-freaking-stop to make all the milk for these boys. . This is the least flattering/aesthetically pleasing image I could share of me bfing my twins but, man, it makes me proud as I look back at how hard my body was working. Sneaking in a nap while the boys ate because, holy cr*p, I could have fallen asleep anywhere during that first year of their lives. . Our bfing journey lasted 28 months. I amazed myself. Each day/week/month/year that ticked away was mind boggling to me. We were figuring this thing out. Together. It was not easy and required so much sacrifice, but I was 1,000% committed to this part of my journey and thankfully we made progress together. . I enjoyed so many beautiful moments with my boys nursing side-by-side. The first time twins hold hands while bfing is heart-bursting 💗 Those moments of connection, warm snuggles, love given and received got me through."
Report
142points
"For me, being a woman is about embracing the unique strength, resilience, and grace that comes with our roles in society, whether as mothers, leaders, or individuals pursuing our own dreams," tells us women's wellness advocate, educator, and founder of Mom Wife Worship Life, Alexandria Smith.
"It’s about finding a balance between nurturing others and nurturing ourselves, understanding that our worth is not defined by how much we do but by who we are as individuals. Womanhood is a journey of growth, connection, and self-discovery."
#6
I tried my pre-quarantine jeans on and they didn’t even slightly zip up so I did this crazy thing where I just bought myself a new pair of jeans, put a cute top on and angled myself nicely
And I feel fabulous OKAYYY
No one will stand up at your funeral and say 'she was so so great but, man, she fluffed up a jeans size during quarantine dafuq was that all about?' So in case anyone needed this: if ur jeans make you feel weird, buy a new pair.
And I feel fabulous OKAYYY
No one will stand up at your funeral and say 'she was so so great but, man, she fluffed up a jeans size during quarantine dafuq was that all about?' So in case anyone needed this: if ur jeans make you feel weird, buy a new pair.
Report
128points
Indeed, individually and as a whole, women resiliently power through whatever is thrown their way, and this should be remembered and celebrated more.
Smith believes that one of the greatest achievements so far has been the growing movement toward mental health awareness and wellness advocacy, especially among women.
#7
This teen dressed up as a tired mom for Halloween and honestly, I feel seen
Report
128points
#9
One is 18 months out, while the other is 18 weeks in. What a privilege to have this picture of me, in real time, providing nourishment for two of my babies, both in and outside of the womb. When Wisdom was born, I nursed for 2 years and was shamed by most of my family because no one before me had chosen to breastfeed and it didn’t make sense to them. With Courage, I have nursed for the last 18-months and I have served as a milk donor, helping to provide supplements for my girls and 3 other babies. Although I love the benefits of feeding in this way, so much more has come from my experience. Growing up in foster care, without the nurturing of a mom and being completely detached from what it meant to be a mother, it was a very slow and hard journey for me to connect. The utter reliance that a baby has on you when you’re nursing taught me to surrender my own longings for a mom and to step into the role of being one. Breastfeeding was and has been my saving grace. I struggled so much those first couple of months as a mother, learning, healing and growing, but nursing quickly became my most cherished time with my children. It taught me what mothering was all about, an unspoken lesson that I needed so badly that could only come by experience and it has been instrumental in helping me to bond with my babies. I can’t wait to meet #3 + to start this journey with them.
Report
118points
"The way women have opened up conversations about self-care, emotional health, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health struggles is remarkable," Smith says.
"It has paved the way for more equitable workplaces, better support systems, and a more compassionate view of what it means to be “strong.” Women advocating for themselves and others in this space is something we should all be proud of."
#11
Hayley Garnett of @th3littlestavenger asked her husband to write something about her postpartum body and now his words are going viral: "Sure, things look and feel slightly different—but in the grand scheme of things, nothing changed. The reasons I fell in love with her had nothing to do with any of the body parts affected by her postpartum. She still has the same beautiful smile, determined mind, banging body, and strong work ethic as the girl I fell in love with over 15 years ago. She still has the same sense of humor. She still smells great and tastes great too. Her postpartum body does look and feel slightly different, but why should that be a factor in my life at all? The soft pillowy skin around her belly button held my three best friends for 18 months. The marks show the strength it took to carry the weight of two beautiful girls that will be raised by this bad ass mom. Nothing has changed or altered my love for my wife. I get praised for being a ‘great husband’, but that’s nonsense. I’m literally doing the bare minimum by loving my wife for who she is, 'imperfections' and all. Imperfections make the world fun. If everything was Barbie doll perfect, wouldn’t we all get bored? How else would we show what life has put us through? So whether it’s regrettable tattoos, scars, surgeries, dumb facial hair, or a postpartum tummy, honestly...who gives a s**t? Be good to each other. Learn from mistakes-yours and others. Help those in need and let’s stop dwelling on who looks like what. My wife isn’t perfect and that’s what makes me love her. That’s why you are all reading this. If she was perfect, not a one of you would be able to relate to her. And to the husbands out there that don’t do their fair share of diaper duty, cooking, cleaning, and telling your wife how beautiful she is—step up your game bro. You’re a team."
Report
107points
#12
Nothing about postpartum should be described by the words 'bounce back.'
Nothing goes back to the way it was before, it isn’t supposed to.
Isn’t it funny that having a baby is the only time a woman is encouraged to go back to who she was before?
This is a slow meticulous process, becoming someone new.
We don’t bounce back.
We grow forward.
Nothing goes back to the way it was before, it isn’t supposed to.
Isn’t it funny that having a baby is the only time a woman is encouraged to go back to who she was before?
This is a slow meticulous process, becoming someone new.
We don’t bounce back.
We grow forward.
Report
101points
However, as mentioned previously, there are still some misconceptions that are holding women back.
"The “superwoman” stereotype continues to weigh heavily on women," Smith tells us.
"There’s this unspoken expectation that we should be able to do it all—excel in our careers, be perfect mothers and partners, and still make time to look flawless. This narrative not only fosters burnout but also prevents women from seeking help or accepting support. It’s essential to challenge this idea and redefine what success and fulfillment look like for each individual woman."
#14
Dolls are for girls - cars are for boys, Let him be a boy' I laughed so hard when I got that comment because to me, there is nothing manlier than a man who holds a baby in his arms. . Something a lot of women out there would agree on - so that’s why it’s so funny to me how when a grow man care for a baby everyone thinks he’s amazing but when a baby boy plays with a doll people seem to think it’s inappropriate. But honestly - there is no such thing as “boy” toys and “girl” toys, there are just toys - did you know that playing with dolls helps children develop compassion and empathy learning how to care for another person, why would that only be for girls?
Report
85points
#15
I came across this picture today and it means so, so much to me. This was a time in my life where I was so stressed. Like really stressed. I was worried about not finishing residency on time. I was struggling immensely with breastfeeding and ultimately ended up stopping way before I desired to. I was studying like crazy literally with a newborn in one hand and books in the other. I felt an enormous amount of pressure to finish residency and pass boards because of doubts from my attending physicians and honestly me just doubting myself. I look at this picture and it reminds me there are no shortcuts. No one is just going to hand anything to me. I look at this picture and it reminds me there is no substitute for hard work. I look at this picture and it reminds me you have to put in the work to get your intended results. It reminds me not to make excuses and to go after what you want wholeheartedly. I look at this picture and I want to tell myself that it will be ok. That it has always been ok. That no matter how much I worry, things have a way of working out. I want to tell myself in that picture that God brought me through so much already and He won’t stop now. I look at this picture and know I HAD to finish. I HAD to. Because I knew that if I finished, I could then encourage someone else to do the same. I encourage you today to keep going. You. HAVE. To. Finish! Finish whatever it is that you started. Not just for yourself; but for everyone who is looking up to you
Report
84points
To improve support for women, their progress, and equality, Smith proposes focusing more on policies and cultural shifts that normalize balance and wellness for women.
"This includes better access to affordable childcare, workplace flexibility that supports parents, and more visibility for women who take alternative career or life paths. Additionally, I want to see women encouraged to prioritize their own well-being without judgment. When society values women for their humanity and not just their productivity, we’ll see a real shift toward equality."
#16
Officially my last week of work before maternity leave!! I can’t believe it’s finally here! I absolutely love being a Nurse & all the responsibilities that come along with it but my body & mind are ready to be home, safe with my family... in quarantine until this precious baby girl makes her debut!! Far far away from known COVID. . Excited to not wear this mask & face shield 8hours a day, 5 days a week!! Excited to not have to dodge my family and toddler and strip down and jump in the shower every day!! Looking forward to being able to adequately stay hydrated & confidently eat my meals without washing my hands 25 times. (once will do at home)... looking forward to bonding with my toddler before baby girl comes and taking some weight off of my husband when he has his work meetings and is working from home
Report
83points
#17
Did I just go there? Yes I did. There are definitely two types of mother-in-laws, either those who have opinions about e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g and want to raise her grandchildren her way, she is definitely not afraid to dash out what she would do and believe you should do so too. Or those who can accept and realize that there are different ways to parent and give trust and support to others (just like my moter-in-law). Do you have the first type or know anyone who does? oh yes I have met those ones who seriously made their opinion heard about how to parent within a minute of meeting them. How do you handle that kind of mother-in-law? I lucked out scoring my mother-in-law. Thankful that she and my father-in-law raised the father of my children, my husband, to be a loving, strong, responsible and supporting man. Thankful that she is the grandma to my children, giving us endless support and love
Report
82points
#18
Yes- these photos were taken about 3 seconds apart. No- it’s not a before and after. I wanted to share to show y’all how easy it is to make a photo look a certain way. How posing, the placement of your pants, and angles can change how you look. Remember- social media is all a filter and it’s usually our highlight real (which is ok!) but just remember to be kind to yourself ❤️ there’s so many different perspectives
Report
79points
Smith also emphasizes the importance of community and connection for women. "We thrive when we support one another, share our stories, and create safe spaces where we can be vulnerable. Whether it’s through mentorship, friendships, or online communities, building each other up is key to sustaining progress."
#19
As I turn 22 today, I’d like to reflect on what I wish I had known when I was younger (and perhaps what other young girls in my position would find useful). So here’s a letter to my past self & to all of you, titled 'Reasons why you should choose recovery' - 1. You won’t look sick. People won’t stop in their tracks & stare whilst wondering what’s wrong with you. . 2. Your hair will grow back thicker, stronger & faster than ever. . 3. You won’t take months to recover from a single paper cut. . 4. You won’t hurt your bones when sitting in a chair, or lie in bed. . 5. You’ll fall asleep much faster, instead of spending hours lying awake in pain from how hungry your are & how empty your stomach is. . 6. You’ll ENJOY hanging out with your friends, instead of worrying about them offering food, or where you’re going for lunch. . 7. You can spend treasured time with your family over family dinners again. You can celebrate Christmas Lunch with your loved ones. . 8. You will LOVE every single day of your medical placement because you finally have enough energy to engage with your patients & survive the shift. . 9. You will be FULL of vigour & your happiness will radiate out towards others. You’ll become that girl with the contagious smile again - the one that could have a whole room howling in laughter after 5mins. . 10. You will become the person you want to be, and achieve everything you’ve ever wanted.
Report
78points
#20
Pregnancy in our relationship can be complicated," shares Christina and Katie Bailey of @babybaileymamadrama as part of our photo series on feeling sexy in your own skin. “For us, we only had one of us experience it," they continue. "We each had our bodies go through many things at the beginning. We injected our bodies with hormones, we went through pain, bruising, bloating, and mood swings. We had one of us go through egg retrieval twice. We had one of us carry, grow and give birth to our two beautiful babies. Being two women, we understood each other’s bodies and all the changes they would undergo throughout our pregnancy journeys. We were there for each other for each change and continue to support one another as our bodies have changed over the years. It is important to make each other feel beautiful because sometimes, we don’t. We feel like we looked better at the beginning of our relationship but we continue to cheer the other on as we continue to change in the best of ways.
Report
68points