my mom said,

I can be whatever I want.

"So long as it's not an engineer, because it's too harsh for girls." She added, despite knowing that I like to tinker the machines.

"So long as it's not a CEO, for it's too heavy for girls." she said, despite witnessing her own daughter leading forums and groups with natural ease.

"So long as it's not an activist, for it's too ruthless for girls." she said, despite hearing my passion about making the world a better place.

then what, pray tell, should I become, mother?

"Anything you want, my dear." said my mother, braiding my hair. "So long as it does not surpass what the men want."