I grew up with just my mum and sister, so I respect women a lot.

"I grew up with just my mum and sister, so I respect women a lot," says Harry Styles, and in these words lies a profound reflection on the power of upbringing, the influence of women, and the fundamental respect that should be extended to them. In a world where gender roles and societal expectations can often divide, Styles offers us a personal testament to the respect and admiration that can arise from being raised in a family where the feminine spirit is held in high esteem. His recognition of the profound influence of the women in his life reminds us that respect for women should not only be taught through societal norms but also nurtured in the very foundations of one’s upbringing.

In the ancient world, the role of women was both revered and respected, albeit often in very different ways across cultures. The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said that women were "inferior" to men in many respects, but in some societies, women were celebrated as the backbone of family life, and their roles as mothers, nurturers, and leaders were held in high regard. In ancient Egypt, Queen Hatshepsut ruled as one of the most successful pharaohs, showing that a woman’s power and influence could be just as formidable as any man’s. The ancient Egyptians revered their queens not just as wives but as symbols of wisdom and strength. In this way, respect for women was intertwined with honor, leadership, and nurturing, qualities that were passed down through the generations.

In ancient Rome, women like Cornelia, the mother of the Gracchi brothers, were revered for their wisdom and strength in raising children who would go on to influence the course of history. Cornelia's respect for women and her ability to raise her children with the virtue of leadership and compassion made her a revered figure in Roman society. Respect for women was not only about the admiration of their beauty but the acknowledgment of their strength, their role in shaping history, and the influence they wielded in family and society. This deep respect was cultivated through the wisdom passed from mother to child, from sister to brother, showing that true respect comes from understanding the power women hold in shaping the course of life.

In more recent times, the influence of mothers and sisters has shaped the lives of many who grew up in homes where women held central roles. The story of Abraham Lincoln provides an illustrative example. Lincoln, who lost his mother at a young age, was profoundly influenced by the love and strength of his stepmother, Sarah Bush Lincoln, who shaped his values of compassion, honor, and respect. His deep respect for women, though not always publicly acknowledged, was clear in his writings and his stance on equality. For Lincoln, as for Styles, the respect women earned was not based on outward recognition, but on the strength, sacrifice, and wisdom they imparted quietly and without fanfare.

Harry Styles' recognition of the influence of his mother and sister mirrors this understanding of respect. Growing up surrounded by strong women, he acknowledges the power they held in shaping his character and the respect he now holds for all women. His words reflect a truth that has endured throughout time—that women, in all their roles, deserve not only to be admired but to be respected for their contributions, their strength, and their sacrifices. In many ways, the respect Styles speaks of is a call to honor the role of women not just as individuals but as essential figures in society and family life.

The lesson in Styles’ words is clear: respect for women is not just an external action but an internal belief—one that is shaped by upbringing, experience, and awareness. Respect for women should be a fundamental principle of our lives, one that is passed down from generation to generation, beginning in the home and extending outward into the world. It is an acknowledgment that strength, wisdom, and nurturing do not have a gender, and that the role of women is critical to the progress and stability of society.

In our own lives, let us carry this wisdom forward by honoring the women who have shaped us, whether they are mothers, sisters, aunts, or teachers. Let us reflect on the lessons of respect they have taught us and share them with others, ensuring that we build a society where respect for women is not just an ideal but a living, breathing reality. Just as Harry Styles acknowledges the women who shaped his heart and mind, we too must recognize the power of respect, for it is through honoring one another that we truly move toward a better, more just and loving world.