Gender Equality – Time to bring in the change
Views — By Kadambari on March 8, 2011 at 10:40 AMSince my growing up years, I have observed that the society has set up different protocols for women and men. I remember my grandparents telling me to talk softly, not to sit besides men, even if that means he is your brother and many other such instructions. Well that does not mean they treated the daughters any less, but expected them to behave in a certain manner.
Luckily my father was of liberal thoughts and believed in equality. I have grown up seeing him making tea and breakfast for my mom, treating her like his queen and doing all that could bring smile on her face. Of course grand mom use to get upset with this but dad wanted to bring in the change and he stood by it. It was because of him that I and my brother were treated like one and there was no discrimination, whether it came to following certain home rules or doing the chores.
Having brought up in this environment, it was quite difficult for me to understand why there were so many restrictions on other women and girls around me. I saw most family giving a superior treatment to boys. As I grew up I learnt how most women were treated like objects that can be used by men as per their whims and fancies.
Today even though the scenario seems like changed, there are thousands of women out there, be it in the lower or upper middle class, who go through physical and mental violence each day. Who can change this situation, well I feel only she alone can. The discrimination which is happening from several decades has given men the power to treat women harshly. Many women come across as coy and choose to accept the violence and hence the cycle keeps repeating.
For now women have only been taught to be in their den and warned from exploring anything outside her vicinity. However, it is time to change the system and the entire outlook of society towards women. Women, need to start believing in themselves and should stand for their rights. On this International Women’s Day I would like to tell each woman out there that we are special and we must treat ourselves that way. Do not stay quite against violence but speak about it get help and conquer your fears.
Social pressures should not hold you back from taking right decisions or fulfilling your dreams. We have the power to bring the next generation to life and we must use this power in a great way. It is time to bring in the change and the change will begin from your home. A child follows what he has been taught, so it is time to be a good example of a woman in a leadership and dignified role. Teach your sons to respect a woman and treat her with equality and teach your daughter to believe in themselves.
For all those beautiful women out there, enjoy your existence and believe in the fact that you too deserve a dignified and respectful life. Here’s wishing you all a very ‘Happy Women’s Day.’
