The Spinster

Shahenda Abdelrahim Ali

I was a high school student. I used to wear a necklace engraved with the word spinster.

That word engraved on my necklace was a summary of my thoughts and opinions.

I was a beautiful young woman and I did not accept how people looked at who had chosen to marry at a certain time.

That word engraved on my necklace was Mina’s rejection of the society that stigmatizes women with this term.

People marveled at my necklaces, why is this beautiful young lady wearing this necklace?

Society often describes women over the age of thirty without marrying this word.

I have gone through many relationship experiences, during which I have been searching for the right person.

A partner, who embraces me, understands me, encourages me, and makes me feel always at my best, in all areas.

I was stunned and shocked to learn that many women marry just to have children and because they are getting older.

How can a person not plan his life and make a fateful decision such as marriage by backward standards?

How can a person not plan for the future of his children?

Yes, I prefer the title spinster, nor to be part of the aforementioned behavior.

In fact, I really appreciate waiting without marriage until meeting the right person.

I also hope that society stops describing unmarried women with the word spinster.

This is not befitting for a nation ruled by great queens in all historical periods, from Hatshepsut to Shajar Al-Durr, Cleopatra and Nefertiti a nation whose president is keen to respect and appreciate women in every forum.