WOMEN: HOLDING UP HALF THE SKY

‘Yatra naryastu Pujyante, Ramante Tatra Devatah’, a Vedic sanskrit quote which means that, the God resides where the women are worshipped. An embodiment of love and affection, an epitome of integrity and understanding, benevolent and tolerant, a protector and a provider, she is the quintessence of fortitude and fortune of the home. In Indian mythology, women are considered divine, holy, and pure, and they are worshipped by fervent devotees all over the country. Ironically, this nation, which is a role model of rectitude, became a place where women are the largest section of an oppressed, subordinated, and feared group. The identity of women has always been paradoxical. The status of women in India has been subject to many changes over the span of recorded Indian history. With women participating in nationalist movements, being pushed into the domestic household space, and their resurgence as superwomen today, women in our country have seen it all. She is eulogised for her capacity to give birth on one side and leave children in the framework of ‘Bear and Rear’ on the other.

The organizations of family, religion, governments were the symbols of civilized mankind. The women have nurtured and preserved the name and values of these organisations and have inculcated them into the next generation for the sustenance and better transformation of society. However, they have always remained behind the curtain. They have been hitherto marginalized and have remained at the recipient side. The regions may vary, religions may differ, cultures are diverse, socio political systems are of many kinds; but the secondary treatment to this “weaker sex” has been a universal normal. The discourse about women has remained relative.

We call ourselves the most civilized society of the evolutionary process. The notion of being civilised is valuing equal moral worth, giving respect to human dignity, and acknowledging the capacity of every individual for the aspirations of development. But the question here is: are women experiencing all these from different sections of the society? The status of women might have raised under the law in practice they continue to suffer from discrimination harassment and humiliation. She maybe worshiped as ‘shakti’ but by taking benefit of this view she has been expected to be obliged to cultural norms. The discrimination can be seen at the grassroots and global levels. The crimes of rape are used to symbolise the victory of the perpetrator. The vulnerability of the closet has been brought about by the digitalized world. The existence of women has been threatened by the emergence of the new norm of cyber-lynching.

The path towards gender Empowerment is full of potholes. It is appreciable that compared to previous era, today, women have more opportunities in terms of health, education, earning their livelihood etc. However, the deep-rooted patriarchal mindset eclipses her progress at all levels. As the nation basks in achievement, the other half of its population screams under various fears. Women empowerment has become the new “buzzword” across the globe. The emerging debate around this concept of empowerment has had considerable effects. Education, training, and economic opportunities have been the centre of focus for women when it comes to empowerment. While these initiatives are successful in encouraging women to participate in the labour force and gain economic independence, they have not necessarily translated into broader changes in social attitudes and behaviours. Women continue to face discrimination and violence, and their representation in positions of power remains low. The reasons for this are complex and multifaceted. One reason is that empowerment programmes are often narrowly focused and do not take into account the broader social, economic, and political contexts in which women live.

The concept of ‘women’s power’ seems to be eyewash in the context of these ground realities. The top-down approach to women’s empowerment considers women as mere beneficiaries of welfare schemes. Women are not empowered to understand and confront the structures of patriarchy. To instill changes in the familial structures and social arrangements, ‘decision making’ has to emerge, which would help in the evolution of gender roles. The evolution of norms of equality in family and religious pairs should be inculcated in the system of education. She should be heard and given equal importance in the sphere of politics to empower her. Education plays an important role in the conditioning of young minds towards the concept of gender. The initial stages where gender roles take place are schools. Instilling sensitivity towards the dignity of women and emphasising the ethical stand for equality in boys can provide society with responsible and sensitive individuals. The economic realm should be widened to accommodate women’s aspirations of developing so that she could be truly independent and not an appendage.

Only a shift in mindset can facilitate the progress of society in the long run.

The major challenge is to help her rehabilitate and to develop a social environment that would preserve her sense of self-confidence and dignity. ‘A seat at the table’ is not the solution for gender equality. Gender equality is, first and foremost, a human right. The importance of gender equality is endorsed by its inclusion as one of the eight Millennium Development Goals. Gender equality is acknowledged as being a key to achieving the other seven goals. It is important for every woman to remember that they must acquire empowerment themselves rather than having it given to them by an external party, and women should believe that they have the capability to make important decisions in their lives while also being able to act on them. Is women empowerment a myth or reality? Well, it is not that easy, as women’s empowerment at times seems to be an illusion that has been made into reality by some but remains uncharted territory to many.

India as the nation has taken significant steps to fill the gender gaps existing in the soceity. It has shown a dedicated will to bring changes by the sustainable development goals which include the ideals of gender justice and women empowerment . To realise the full potential of the new ‘emerging women’s power,” comprehensive changes and constructive planning at all levels are required. Her individuality should be preserved and not by letting her space to exercise her set of preferences. It is high time to recognise a woman as an “individual, not as a relative description. If she could get her equal rights and equal moral worth and carve out her own niche without any obstruction, only then could we call ourselves a ‘civilised society.” Women’s empowerment is not an automatic and spontaneous process; it requires efforts made consistently and deliberately by all humans in all walks of life. Empowering a woman today will lead to a progressive society tomorrow, and this should be our motivation in analysing any gender equality decision. Let us take the plunge from “me” to “we”.

“Nari Asya Samajasya Kusalavastukara Asti”

Women are the architects of this society.