This opinion piece is written by an American woman who wishes to remain anonymous. She moved to Asia four years ago to take on a big job at a multinational company. She came with her own preconceptions. Now she wishes to set the record straight and asked our team if she could publish this essay to help other expats appreciate the role women play in Asian society.

When I moved to a bustling Asian metropolis four years ago, I carried with me a load of preconceived notions about the women I would encounter. I believed that Asian women were reserved, subservient, and that their lives revolved primarily around family and marriage. However, after living and working alongside some of the smartest, joyous women I have ever met, I’ve come to understand that my initial judgments couldn’t have been further from the truth. It was a lesson in humility, respect, and a profound revelation about the remarkable strength of Asian women.

Like many Westerners embarking on life as an expatriate, I was guilty of generalizing and buying into stereotypes. I envisioned Asian women as docile, soft-spoken, and primarily focused on domestic life. I expected to encounter traditional gender roles in the workplace, with women taking a backseat in professional settings. In short, I thought I was in for an entirely different experience from what I was used to back home.

However, my time living in this city has taught me an invaluable lesson: that the wants, desires, hopes, and dreams of Asian women are fundamentally no different from those of Western women. Sure, societal norms and expectations can differ, and women may find themselves conforming to these norms, but it doesn’t change the core values and aspirations that unite us.

I’ve come to appreciate the remarkable strength and resilience of Asian women. Behind their often gentle demeanor lies an indomitable spirit, a fierceness that defies the stereotypes. These women are smart, tenacious, stubborn, and fiercely independent. They navigate through life’s challenges with an extraordinary blend of grace and determination.

Asian women are masters of the delicate dance between tradition and modernity. They juggle the expectations placed on them while pursuing their own ambitions, whether it’s a fulfilling career, artistic expression, or personal growth. I’ve seen Asian women in leadership roles, charting their paths with unwavering determination and an extraordinary work ethic.

The notion that Asian women are primarily focused on getting married couldn’t be further from the truth. Just like their Western counterparts, they seek meaningful, loving relationships, but they don’t let this desire define their lives. These women are anything but submissive; they assert themselves boldly in all aspects of their lives.

I have made some of the most profound and lasting friendships of my life by stepping outside the expat bubble. When I stopped frequenting the usual haunts where Westerners gather, and started engaging with Asian women on a personal level, I discovered incredible allies and friends.

These women are smart, fun, and fiercely loyal. They’ve shown me the true strength of diversity, opening my eyes to different perspectives and cultures. We’ve laughed, cried, and navigated the complexities of life together, and I’ve come to appreciate their unwavering support and friendship.

Ultimately, my journey living among Asian women has dispelled the stereotypes and misconceptions that I brought with me as an expat. The strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit of Asian women have shown me that they are no different from women anywhere in the world. They may project a gentler image than their Western counterparts, but beneath that surface lies an incredible force to be reckoned with. It is my fervent hope that by sharing my experience, I can urge other Western women not to underestimate the strength and potential allies in Asian women. Our shared experiences and desires unite us more than our differences could ever divide us.