Why ‘Being a Good Woman’ Isn’t the Only Path: Lessons from Iran’s Story of Resilience

What does it really mean to ‘be a good woman’? That phrase might sound familiar—maybe even comforting to some—but for many, especially young girls in places like Iran, it’s a loaded expression wrapped in layers of control, repression, and expectation.

Recently, the abstract walking simulator I Don’t Want To Be A Good Woman has thrust us into the heart of this struggle. As explored in a compelling piece on Rock Paper Shotgun, the game offers more than just a glimpse—it’s a “museum of resilience” that chronicles the suffocating experience of growing up female under a regime that enforces strict gender roles, often curbing freedoms and autonomy.

So why are we talking about this on a fertility and insemination kit blog? Because the spirit of resilience and reclaiming control over one’s body is universal. Whether you’re navigating strict societal rules or just trying to find the path to parenthood on your own terms, the core desire is the same: agency.

From Repression to Reclamation

Iranian women in the game—and in real life—face a system that tries to dictate everything from behavior to physical autonomy. Meanwhile, countless people worldwide, especially those pursuing single parenthood or LGBTQ+ family building, are fighting their own versions of this struggle: overcoming medical, social, or financial barriers to achieve their dream of having a child.

What if the journey to fertility wasn’t just clinical or technical but also deeply personal and political? What if choosing to become a parent through at-home insemination kits, like those offered by MakeAMom, is also a way to exercise that same defiant resilience?

The Power of Choice in Fertility

With MakeAMom’s innovative, reusable insemination kits designed for diverse needs—from low motility sperm to sensitivities like vaginismus—people can take control in the comfort and privacy of their own home. This doesn’t just save money; it offers dignity and empowerment. No waiting rooms, no sterile clinics, no prying eyes. Just you, your partner (or just you), and hope.

This autonomy echoes the core message of I Don’t Want To Be A Good Woman: that the power to define your own path—even in the face of systemic barriers—is revolutionary.

Why Resilience Matters in Parenthood

  • Societal pressures can be suffocating: Just as Iranian girls are boxed into limiting roles, parents and prospective parents often confront narrow definitions of ‘family’ and ‘motherhood.’
  • Access to fertility care isn’t equal: Not everyone can afford fancy clinics or navigate complicated healthcare systems.
  • At-home solutions like MakeAMom can level the playing field: Offering reusable, discreet kits that maximize chances of success (with an impressive 67% success rate!) shines a light on accessibility.

Drawing Parallels: Art, Activism, and At-Home Fertility

What’s striking is how art like I Don’t Want To Be A Good Woman connects us to stories of courage and determination. It reminds us that fertility isn’t just about biology but also about the fight for self-determination. For many, using a home insemination kit isn’t just a medical choice — it’s an act of reclaiming power over their body and their family story.

The Takeaway? Don’t Settle for ‘Good.’ Be Your Own Version of Great.

Whether you’re inspired by the resilience of Iranian women challenging systemic sexism or the quiet determination of those embarking on their journey to parenthood solo, the message rings clear: Don’t just be ‘good,’ be unapologetically you. If that means exploring innovative, accessible fertility solutions to take control of your journey, so be it.

For those considering at-home insemination, tools like the MakeAMom kits can be your secret weapon—a discreet, effective, and empowering way to seize control and write your own family’s story.

So, what’s your definition of resilience? How are you challenging norms and crafting your path to parenthood? Share your story and let’s keep the conversation—and courage—flowing.

Ready to take control? Explore how innovative solutions are transforming the fertility landscape right now.