Women's day started as "Working women's day", basically as a socialist movement. The day is a celebration of womanhood and all they represent - compassion, warmth, dedication and care. Although it should not take a special day to express concern about their issues but should be a sustained effort so that they should achieve their maximum potential. How can the world be a better off place if half of the population lags behind socially, economically and politically?
Comparing the condition of Indian women with their peers in western hemisphere we come across stark realities. Indian women although have started coming out of their cocoon and have experienced the liberation but to a very limited extent and that too in urban pockets. The subtle discrimination in urban families and overt discrimination in rural areas keeps the fairer sex devoid of their share of resources and rights. They are conditioned since childhood to sacrifice for others and keep their personal priorities lower in order. With this mindset and upbringing its not only the men that discriminate but women also as mothers and mother-in-laws starts discriminating and imposing their values. The vicious cycle of "humne ye kia to inko karne main kya problem hai" culture keeps repeating and people never have time and courage to have healthy discussions and initiatives to stop this. Even most of the votaries of women rights will be found giving only lip service but refraining to take initiatives at their home, society or locality.
In our quest to women empowerment we should not blindly impose western model of liberation but should evolve our own approach. The approach to women empowerment can't be unidimensional but has to be all encompassing the cultural, economic, social and political aspects as well.
In the wake of the unfortunate rape case which made the whole of India agitate and demonstrate their anger against such a gruesome deed it is very important to go into deeper and basic reasons for such acts. If we think providing more security, creating separate banks or making more laws will cure all the problems then we are hugely mistaken as there are just the symptoms of the deeper malaise that exists in the society. The "objectification" of women is the most underlying reason that can be cited for such acts. Growing inequality, noneducational and education devoid of values are some of the significant factor that has led to the deterioration of social values and norms.
Blindly aping western models won't address the problem. Our context is different, our social structure is different, our history is different and our thinking has been moulded in a different way. So how do we address these problem? I think the best way forward is to strengthen the following factors in long term so that our society emerges as one which treats all the person equally regardless of the gender
1. Value based education system: I think the seeds of values that we sow in young minds remain intact with them for the lifetime and forms the basic tenets of ones character. The inculcation of Nationalistic values, Gender issues and emphasis on integrity and moral values in education will be a long term investment in the human resource of the country.
2. Awareness: Sensitizing people about gender issues and encouraging them to have healthy debates and discussion in families and society so that apprehensions and doubts are cleared.
3. Police Reforms: The police force is seen as more of an agent today and than a democratic one. Instead of serving public they are seen as serving their political masters. The gender sensitization at cutting edge level is abysmally low. Reforms related to recruitment, training and other issues should be expedited.
4. Women reservation: Although is a debatable issue but still I think that if not going all for parliamentary reservation we could atleast initiate reforms relating to promoting women canditates in political parties internally.
5. Stop Objectifying: Wherever possible we should generate awareness and sensitize people to have a broader outlook and perspective that is gender inclusive.
As India is going though a transitionary phase be it in economic, social or political sphere we need to grab this moment to revolutionize and cement the enthusiasm that has been created regarding gender reforms.
JaiHind!
