Meaning: This quote by Hortense Odlum reflects the idea that some women may have been sheltered or overly protected by their husbands during their lifetime, leaving them unprepared to face the challenges of reality when their husbands pass away. It speaks to the potential consequences of being overly reliant on a partner for protection and guidance, and the impact it can have on a person's ability to navigate life independently.

Hortense Odlum was an American businesswoman and philanthropist who lived from 1881 to 1970. She was the first woman to serve as a director of a major American corporation, the American Telephone and Telegraph Company. Throughout her life, Odlum was a vocal advocate for women's rights and empowerment, and her quote reflects her understanding of the struggles that women may face when they are not given the opportunity to develop their independence and resilience.

The quote raises important questions about the role of husbands and partners in women's lives, particularly in traditional or patriarchal societies where women may have been expected to rely on their husbands for protection and decision-making. It suggests that while protection and care from a spouse can be valuable, it is also important for individuals, regardless of gender, to have the opportunity to develop their own capabilities and understanding of the world.

Odlum's words also highlight the potential vulnerability that some women may experience later in life if they have been shielded from the realities of the world. The idea of being "strangers to it" suggests a sense of disconnection and unfamiliarity with the challenges and responsibilities that may arise when one is suddenly faced with the need to navigate life independently. This can be a daunting and frightening prospect for anyone, and Odlum's quote acknowledges the potential impact of such a situation on individuals who may have been sheltered from the harsher aspects of life.

The quote also implies the importance of empowerment and self-reliance for women, as well as the need for individuals to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to face life's challenges, regardless of their marital status. It speaks to the broader issue of gender roles and the societal expectations placed on women to be dependent on their husbands for protection and decision-making, rather than being encouraged to develop their own agency and resilience.

In contemporary society, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of promoting independence and empowerment for women, as well as challenging traditional gender roles that limit women's opportunities for self-development and self-expression. Odlum's quote serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of perpetuating stereotypes and expectations that restrict women's autonomy and agency, and the need to support women in developing the skills and confidence to navigate life on their own terms.

In conclusion, Hortense Odlum's quote encapsulates the potential challenges faced by women who have been overly protected or sheltered by their husbands, and the importance of promoting independence and empowerment for women. It prompts us to consider the implications of dependency and the need for individuals, regardless of gender, to have the opportunity to develop their own capabilities and understanding of the world. Odlum's words serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting women in cultivating their resilience and self-reliance, and the impact of societal expectations on women's ability to navigate life independently.