Why does a woman's strength and courage have to be measured by a man's?

Maybe because there is no other measure.

A woman's strength and courage is different. And a woman can deal with so much more emotional and physical pain than a man. And yet men are deemed stronger in all matters?

Emeldir's plight is so harrowing here. How does she put one foot in front of the other? 

She does because she must. If she gives up, her people are lost. She feels she has a responsibility to guide them, no matter what she wants.

Very powerful!

Thank you for sharing.