Women are symbols of power. They may be biologically lacking physical strength, but women are not weak. On an average, women face more hardships in this male dominated society, yet are as resilient as men. We live in a patriarchal society. In most parts of the world, Women are still struggling for equality, and in a dangerous portion of the world women are mistreated with sheer inhumanity. Independent India gave women the right to vote but did this and other fundamental constitutional rights change the status of women in society? Did it bring women equal rights and equal duties?
Gender disparities may have reduced in terms of rights in urban sectors, but is that actually enough? How many educated households actually share the Load? How many fathers leave/halt their careers to focus on the upbringing of their children? How many sons contribute to household chores just as much as their sisters? How many more capable women actually earn more than their male counterparts?
The condition of rural sectors is only more startling. Women are not only treated unequally but also subjected to molestation and abuse, mental and physical. In most rural households, women are dependent on men financially and emotionally and they continue to endure multifolds of atrocious behaviour because sometimes out of compulsion, sometimes out of societal pressure women don’t stand up for their rights. We as a society need to accept the concept of divorce. A divorced daughter is better than a dead or injured or unhappy daughter. Adversity could be the mother of self sufficiency. Many educated women demand alimony from their ex-husbands and many uneducated women make it on their own. Women need to realise that they need no one. Every human is self sufficient.
As a start, financial independence will empower women. Education is the key to financial independence. Most educated women contribute towards the household expenses and take their own financial decisions. And as more women break glass ceilings, more will follow in heels. Empowerment is also about equal duties that come with equal rights. Young girls are often told they’re less than a boy and that their father/brother/future husband will always have the upper hand and take the decisions of their life. Girls should be made aware of their rights and their self worth. Young boys also need to be sensitised to grow up to become good humans who support and encourage the women in their life. Typically, Men are taught to not cry like a girl when instead their parents should teach them to not make girls cry.
In India, especially in rural regions, 23% girls drop out of school on attaining puberty due to lack of access to clean toilets and sanitary pads. This affects the overall literacy rate and takes away those girls’ key to empowerment. Access to healthcare and sanitation can change that. Girls often refrain from vocalising their wants and fighting for their dreams. We must encourage girls to be more vocal. Historically women were huntresses, food providers and leaders not people who would never back answer and endure all kinds of inequality. Speaking up is not going against our values. Girls who try to fit society’s good girl mould, seldom make history. Public speaking sessions like these empower women.
Another obstacle limiting women empowerment is sexual harassment and other crimes against women. In most parts of our country, unfortunately women are not safe from male predators. And this restricts their freedom and mobility. Commonwealth bronze medalist Annu Rani could not travel outside her village without being accompanied by her brother or father due to safety reasons. How do we make our towns women friendly? Stricter punishments for offenders and educating men on behavioral ethics will solve the problem. Teaching our boys how to behave will ensure that our girls are safe.
Women shall be truly empowered when every woman is liberated beyond all restrictions and is not dependent on anyone, man or woman financially or emotionally. Chains on any one of us are chains on all of us. The progress of a society is directly proportional to the progress of women. Women make up half the population, that being said deserves recognition. Women rights are human rights. Women empowerment is empowerment for all.
