I don’t know why the International Women’s
Day is suddenly so important. What is the need for such a degree of fuss? There
are many videos, advertisements and movies made specifically for women’s day –
the woman is a rebel, she faces hardships and triumphs with or without the help
of men. Then, there are never ending planning to celebrate women’s day in
offices (I don’t know about the school and colleges) and residential colonies. According
to Wikipedia,
Women’s day was first celebrated in New York, as early as in 1909. The objective of celebrating such a day is to empower woman, raise her above the bars
of gender discrimination and place her at a place equal to man. I understand
that. I am sure that most of us understand that too. But, do you think
understanding can resolve anything?
Last Sunday, I was waiting for my
train. It was around nine at night and a guy sitting beside me (should be as
old as I am or younger) initiated a conversation. We noted that we both are
waiting for the same train and that it is late. Gradually, the conversation
extended to where we work, what we have studied, etc. He said that he is a
Management Consultant in one of the leading IT companies and I said that I am a
Chartered Accountant working in IT too. “You mean, you have cleared all the
papers in CA”, was his first reaction. I nodded. “I mean, why are you working
then? Why don’t you practice?” he asked. “I just wanted to make some money and
travel. So I decided to work”, I said. “You think there is any gender bias? I
mean women find it more difficult to start a firm of their own?” he asked? I
said that I don’t think so. Basically, I didn’t know. “Until you are married,
it is better that you are employed. After that, you would know where you would settle
and then you can establish your firm”, he said. Did I ask him any consultancy
service? He belongs to my generation and he thinks like this – Woman would
follow the man. And man would decide where he wants to live.
Another incident. Again I am in the railway
station. Accidentally, I bumped into an old acquaintance. It was around ten at
night. “Are you alone? Isn’t it too late to be out at this time of night? How
did you come? Why didn’t your parents wait to see you off? Don’t you know it is
not safe?” he went on after exchanging the initial niceties. First of all, we
are meeting after many years. Secondly, he suddenly sounded over-protective. My
only reply to his many questions was – “What’s wrong in that? I know to take
care of myself”. He was stunned. “How did you come?” I asked. “Auto”, he said. “Alone?”
He said yes. “Why didn’t you think it is too late to travel alone?” I asked. He
was too shocked to reply.
A girl still cannot walk alone at
night, even if her house is a few yards away. She cannot travel alone. If she
does, she would be branded as a maverick. She cannot go to movies alone – God knows
who would sit beside or behind her and even God might not know what they would do
to her. She cannot take travel in cab or auto or even a bus after sunset.
One evening, I was riding my scooterette
to home from office. The roads had enough vehicles and it was well lit.
Suddenly, one man in bike slowed down and tried to grab me or do some whatever
which I don’t know myself. Thankfully, I was aware of the bike behind me and I was
slowing down to let him overtake me. If I was riding fast too, I am sure that I
would have fallen off from my bike and been injured. I think people would say
that woman should travel only in private cars. Having said that, don’t men say
women can’t drive cars?
A well-educated family friend, who is
also a working woman said, “Why don’t you marry my nephew? He is a lawyer and
earns well. You just have to be a good wife and take care of the household
matters. You can also attend social parties and have fun”. I knew she was
serious about what she was saying. “But, I am a Chartered Accountant. I
sacrificed six years of my life just to become one”, I retorted. “Come on, he
is a nice boy. You take tuitions or something. Or just take care of his
finances”. I didn’t feel like replying.
These are just a few instances that
are etched in my mind. We are strange. On one hand, we talk about gender
equality. On the other, we want to follow the traditional approach of male domination
and female submission. I know a family where the son gets to drive the car,
sleep to his heart’s content and laze around. The daughter never gets to enjoy
these luxuries. In fact, she would be treated like someone with deadly and contagious
disease every “month”. Equality and empowerment should begin at home. Girls are
constantly reminded that her primary duty is to be a good wife and a loving
mother. Why a son is not taught to be a good husband and a great father. Girl
is trained in such a way that she would never pass derogatory comments on men
or tease them. Why can’t the boy be trained in similar lines?
Women’s Day can be celebrated at its
true spirit only when there is no woman who suffers from gender discrimination.
When such a day dawns, we can celebrate – not just as a women’s day but as the victory
of entire humanity. Till then, let’s focus to be a human being first,
empathetic and supportive before being a man/woman!
We will not have the opportunity to celebrate for another minimum two generations.
ReplyDeleteBut, at least lets try to ensure that it would happen after 2 generations!
DeleteHmm, only a misogynist could disagree. Perhaps you must pen a poetry on women empowerment.
ReplyDeleteI will try... Thanks!
DeleteThings are changing fast at least in the urban areas and among the literate classes.The glass ceilings are slowly disappearing.Yet though equal number of girls to boys come out very successfully out of class 12,the percentage of girls drops down significantly in higher learning institutions.That is a sad thing and the parents should think about it.
ReplyDeleteThe gender discrimination is high in rural areas and is directly proportional to illiteracy,poor economic circumstances and traditional rural values.We have a long way to go to bridge the gap.Such days like Women's Day is an occasion for introspection by all how their women are treated at home,office and in social spheres.
I agree with you... Though I would like to also indicate that most of people who live in urban cities still hold rural values... and the expectations from women continues to be the same... especially in relation to career, marriage and upbringing of children
DeleteThings are changing quickly, so there are lot more shocks awaiting the patriarchy-type people. They'd better admit and adapt or suffer from high BP :P
ReplyDeleteThat said, like there are positive points, there are negative points to everything. We always gain something at a cost. There are two sides to everything - money, power, modern technology, etc. Some people just refuse to admit that - nothing wrong, just an observation.
Destination Infinity
True, there are two sides for everything!
DeleteA very thought provoking post. Things are change, but seldom are the thoughts changing. I could relate myself to most of these situations. Not always do we encounter it, because most of the public who supports women empowerment , who are in a front row most of the time to shout about it on social platforms, are sometimes the ones who pass comments like these. I have gone through situations, like the one you sited about marriage.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is women suffer these discrimination. Most of the men know this and acknowledge it. But they would practice the old rules though!
DeleteThe last paragraph alone is enough to the world. Lovely post
ReplyDeleteThanks Shilpa :)
DeleteOn the contrary, men's day should be celebrated to empower them to think differently.
ReplyDeleteThats a great idea, I think :)
DeleteThings are different now, but still needs long way to go… “Equality and empowerment should begin at home.” Very true! Changing people’s mind-set are little difficult but I think creating one with equality will work much better in future. I believe women have things within themselves to bring changes in the attitude of men, as well women in their growing stage as a mother. People who aware about women’s right and equality in gender should keep talking about them with others, to forward the message to reach the summit.
ReplyDeleteWell expressed!
Thanks a lot Jeevan :)
DeleteCongratulations, Satya for all the bravery you have shown against the challenges society is throwing! We would have not been aware how strong we are, if we have not faced such situations! So, congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sindhu :)
Delete