"When Did You Start To Feel Like A Woman?" – Malaysians Share That Defining Moment

Coming-of-age is a very personal thing; some may feel that they become a woman upon hitting puberty, while others only feel that way when they become independent.

There's no right or wrong answer. The only correct answer is the one you feel most comfortable with, and what empowers you as a woman. It also depends on your own personal journey and who you see yourself becoming. 

Prudential wants to uplift and empower all the women out there with PRULady, a personalised insurance plan that understands your needs at different chapters of your life. PRULady celebrates your life's journey with you, and gives you some peace of mind as you move towards your future as a woman. Find out more at the end of the story.

Note: Some names have been changed to protect the identities of individuals.

"Transitioning from a 'girl' to a 'woman' is such a weird thing. Even though I was married, living with my husband, working full-time, and then pregnant, it wasn't until I recovered from the birth and was alone with my two-week-old baby that I felt this rush of emotion. I finally felt like I entered womanhood, and became a mum." 

- Aisha, 33

"In high school, I was told that I would 'be a woman' once I started menstruating. In college, my lecturer said that we ladies can’t call ourselves women if we didn’t go through the pain of childbirth.

"I felt like a woman when I realised that it meant being true to yourself. To have the freedom to make your own choices, to do what makes you happy, and to never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot be. It took me a long time to figure that out."

- Ziana, 27

"I used to not wear dresses when I was younger, so when I graduated I was looking for a decent dress to wear for my graduation ceremony. I tried on my first-ever bodycon dress and that's when I realised I am a beautiful woman with beautiful curves, and started to love myself more."

- Yee Jing, 31

"I was under a lot of pressure — from work, relationships, and even family. I would break down a lot, and I stopped caring for myself. I would binge-eat a lot of unhealthy food, sleep late, and would never exercise.

"But when my father passed away, I decided to step up and change. I started to meditate and do yoga to calm my mind, and I began hitting the gym. I also changed my eating habits and I like the person that I am now. That's when I really felt like I was a woman who loved herself and had herself together."

- Janie, 29

"In a society where everyone says women must always have a husband or family to rely on, I felt so free when I started paying my own bills. It was like, 'Oh wow, I'm adulting. I'm doing great!' and 'Joke's on those who told me I can't survive on my own!'

"Then I kinda felt like those boss women you see in movies, like Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada, hahah! Only then did I feel like a woman who could rely on herself to get what she needs and wants."

- Agnes, 23

"I was a G cup, and I felt so insecure of my boobs. It always garnered unwanted attention anywhere I went, and I didn't like shopping for clothes because it was difficult to find ones that fit my bust. Deciding to go for breast reduction surgery was scary, but very worth it.

"Looking at my scars, they remind me of what a strong woman I am."

- Lianne, 25

"Living on my own and being independent gave me the freedom I never knew I needed. At home, I was treated like a child even though I was out of college already.

"Once I earned a stable income, I rented a place of my own and enjoyed just being in my own space where I could really be myself. That's when I really felt like I entered the 'Big Girls Club' lol."

 - Francesca, 35

Some might think it's when they get their first period, while others think it's when they get married.

Prudential knows every woman is unique in their own way, which is why they've come up with a female insurance plan called PRULady.

This includes breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and systemic lupus erythematosus with severe kidney complications. Illnesses like female carcinomas are also covered, so you can have financial peace of mind as you live your life to the fullest. 

PRULady offers 100% of the Basic Sum Assured if there is a Death and Total Permanent Disability, or if you are diagnosed with a female-related cancer. If you've been diagnosed with a female carcinoma-in-situ, PRULady gives you a payout of 50% of the Basic Sum Assured. There are also other claimable benefits under this insurance policy, like recovery, pregnancy care, and baby care benefits.

Also, there's a Money Back Benefit where 100% of the total premium you have paid is refundable upon maturity. Wow, pretty awesome, huh?

Prudential understands the struggles of womanhood, and they want to empower women to take charge of their destiny and dreams. Under PRULady, you'll receive a payout when you undergo big life changes like marriage, childbirth, buying a property, retirement, and even experiencing the death of a spouse.

If you're a huge fan, then you won't wanna miss out on the 'PrudentialxSuperM We DO Virtual Concert & Fan Meet’ that's scheduled for 7 August 2021! Wuuuuuuuu~

Getting a pair of tickets is suuuper simple! All you gotta do is be one of the first 1,000 PRULady customers or policies enrolled in June, and you will be entitled to this awesome giveaway. So, go and get yourself protected with PRULady today!