A tribute to women on Women’s Day

“God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers” -Jewish Proverb

This is a very popular saying but instead of mother I would like to replace the word with women. When a girl child is born into this earth she has to play either the role of a mother, daughter, sister or a wife. No matter what the role, she undergoes lot of problems either physically or mentally. When she’s a daughter, she has to face all the restrictions that are endorsed upon her. When she’s a sister, she has to be all goodie and set an example to others if she is elder and not be fussy if she is younger. When she’s a wife, she has to face the problems of her in-laws and also in turn expected to be dedicated. When she’s a mother, she has to shift from the corporate office to changing nappies. Apparently, when she’s old, she has to take care of her children and grand children. When will she be free and unchained from these restrictions set upon her by the society?

In India, women have faced lot of social problems in the past and continue to face even now. Perhaps, going through a sociology text book will be self-explanatory. But let me do justice by stating the problems that women face - female infanticide, child labour, illiteracy, domestic violence, dowry, rape, divorce, sexual harassment, low salary, torture by in-laws, forced abortion, forced marriage, gender discrimination and so on. All these rob from her the right to lead an independent life without hindrance. Not to forget some universal psychological problems like premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphonic disorder and post partum depression and physical like puberty, monthly cycles, pregnancy and menopause also senility at old age. All these cause mental disturbance, stress and fluctuation of moods. Nevertheless, she is amalgamated with problems from womb to tomb. One strong quality of women is that they are emotionally well built and can easily give vent to their feelings. Maybe that is what makes them so strong and endure any obstacle coming their way.

Recently, I watched an Afghani movie about a girl who disguises herself as a boy in order to earn money for the livelihood of her family. The movie portrayed the life of this girl and generally the life of women in that country. I was shattered after watching the movie because the women were treated inhumanly and weren’t given work or education and had to stay inside their respective homes. My immediate response to this movie was, “Thank God! I was born in India”.

Today, India has widened its horizon regarding women and their issues by trying to uplift them in every field be it science, commerce, economy, politics, sports, education, arts and so on. The very names of these women - Indira Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Sonia Gandhi, P.T.Usha, Latha Mangeshwar, Kalpana Chawla, Sunitha Williams, Asha Bhonsle, Aishwarya Rai, Pratibha Patil, Deepa Mehta, Nanditha Das, show that women have excelled in every field and have been empowered today in every way. Women’s oppression and inequality has spurred them to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. Tormented and subjugated through all times and ages, women have fought their way against exploitation, harassment and have secured themselves a right in the public domain. In spite of exploitation and abuse, both in domestic and work sector, women have managed to achieve milestones in education, have financially become independent and feel empowered today by fighting for their rights.

Moreover, these days the topic Gender equality has been included as a part of Syllabus in schools and colleges. And this tells us that women are not lesser or inferior to men. Instead, they are equal on par with men. What is important is both are human beings. Why should one be considered inferior to other? Both are created equally therefore demands equal rights.

Nevertheless, women’s essence lies in her innate ability to care, love and sacrifice for the other. She not only plays the character of a mother, daughter, sister and wife but also a friend, nurturer, guide and partner. She displays wonderful range of emotions from being patient to courageous at times of crises. Out of 365 days, we have dedicated one day to her and would it be too much to ask all men to suspend judgment , acknowledge and appreciate the love and support that she has showered on them in all times? On the occasion of International Women’s Day-8 March which is a global day for celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women’s past, present and future, let us all salute them . Jai Ho!

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