It's still a man's world... Why?

This is something I strongly feel about, so here it is without much description or declarations... Read on...

There are absolutely, no second thoughts about the fact that the Indian woman has very successfully established herself in various fields and spheres of life. Today, she is working as a renowned politician, lawyer, doctor, poet, writer, painter, social worker, the list is endless. And noticeable is the fact that she has come out with flying colors in every role she has played. In every circumstance she has shown her worth. Then why is that men still dominate our society? Even today, in many families a girl’s aspirations are heartlessly put down by her own father, brother or husband.

Preference for boys in India has been a long-lived and shamefully a valued tradition with not many “even” trying to change it. Indian men have to realize and accept that a woman is as important to the world as themselves. This inequality is deep-rooted in every part of India. To broaden the social, political and cultural horizons of our nation, it is extremely important to grant the liberty to our women, which they rightfully deserve.

It is unfair, that most top positions in the society like company directors, CEOs, Managers, judges etc are predominantly occupied by men. Statistics prove that there is no difference between the quality of work done by men and women. Then, why this discrimination? In regard to women’s achievements we cannot afford to forget that the first test tube baby was successfully operated by a woman gynecologist.

An average Indian parent has always been very open-minded for their boys but when it comes to girl "the society" factor crops up. Though, most parents today provide equal education opportunities to their boys and girls but when it comes to going out to work, they are frequently discouraged and taught that family life is the sole motto of their existence. While making career choices, girls are usually not encouraged to take up engineering subjects or late night jobs which are believed to require great amount of physical strength. I wonder where does the so called concerned society lives when the same girl handles huge and heavy utensils while cooking and cleaning, carrying water for long distances in scorching heat or plough the fields in villages.

Most families, at least in rural areas, wishes to give the best to their boys. Amongst the urban starta, also the difference persists. The limits have to be there, but they should be same for both the sexes. If a boy is outspoken, friendly or mischievous, he is said to be an all rounder or candid, but if the girl is synonymous to any of these she is typecast as one with a loose character. If a boy wants to marry the girl of his choice he is said to be mature enough to make his own decisions. But, at the same time the girl is forced upon to marry the guy of her parent’s choice with the argument that parents know best for her secure and happy future. Again the question arises, why the man dominates?

Guru Nanak, conveys the strength of a woman very truthfully and aptly through the Sikh scripture:
“In a woman, man is conceived,
From a woman, he is born,
With a woman he is betrothed and married,
With a woman he contracts friendship.
Why denounce her, the one from even kings are born?
From a woman a woman is born,
None may exist a without a woman.”

Let the woman decide for herself, do and say what her own mind and heart believes in. It has been high time that women are given their rightful place in society.

# Education has to play a major role in this. To completely iron out the inequalities that persists in our society, education is very important. It is the best way to ensure sound and secure future generations.

# The key also lies in the hands of economic independence of women. If a woman is economically independent, then only she will be mentally strong to shun the discrimination against her and answer back to this male dominated society.

# Health of a woman is also of prime importance, because to take up any challenge one has to be physically and mentally fit.

# Women empowerment should happen in the true sense. Of late, it has been reduced to merely a topic for politicians to speak. Empowerment has to come from within. The women have to realize their worth and power themselves first before the society realizes it. We have to change the mentality of the society, while staying within the parameters of the society.

# Most importantly, the psyche of man has to be transformed. Girls have made many adjustments over the years. It is time for the boys to learn the meaning of the word “Adjust” and implement in their lives. Men have ruled for quite a long.  Women must now stop catering to the whims and fancies of the men as unpaid servants. Mothers need to teach their boys right from a very young age to treat women with respect. It is time when men start contributing equally in the domestic chores.

Complete empowerment of women lies in giving them complete freedom without any ifs and buts or social and moral obligations. There is a famous saying, “women hold up half of the sky”. So let them be free to spread their wings of humanity across the horizon of that sky.

Help empowering a friend, a sibling, a domestic help, a girl, a woman. Give them the smile they deserve for long till I login again :-)