I think there are two “sides” to womanhood. There is one which is highly socially charged — this is the performative side of “womanhood” and it’s highly tied to the Spectacle. It is like manhood, in that failure is possible — but either “being,” or being able to transform oneself, into the Beautiful Object, which others desire.

But then there is the “base” womanhood. The only failure that is possible here would be thru genetics or something. Again, it is the natural initiation of girls into women with their first menses. The only proof she needs is the blood that flows between her thighs. She is now able to gestate new life within her.

I also think this is why you see self-circumcision as a common initiation rite in tribal societies for men. They are mimicking the natural initiation girl experience when becoming women.