Men and women in India are products of the patriarchy. Where men, due to societal norms, are given the status of the family head. In most households, we find it’s the men who are the bread earner of the family. Whereas women are made to believe that they are meant to ‘serve’ a man and take care of the home. These young women are often brought up in such an atmosphere where they start believing that their only sole purpose is to be a caretaker.
The ideology that promotes women as ‘weak’ can be seen over and over again in various religious and mythological stories. One thing that patriarchy has achieved is the normalisation of its existence and expects women and girls to shut their mouths and accept this supremacy and this male-dominated sphere.
Are women getting equal treatment or equal opportunities? How many times does a woman walk in a male-dominated space and not question the men: women ratio?
I don’t remember a day going out alone and not having to worry about my safety.
Our human rights should also be respected and taken into cognizance by men. What we have today is restricted freedom. Yes, the condition and status of women over time has improved but is it still not at a stage where we have enough representation in different fields or a sense of feeling safe when we move out.
Are we at that stage where a girl is encouraged in every household to achieve her dream and is conditioned in a way where she realises her own potential and is free to do what she wants? Are we at that stage where society doesn’t question a woman when she chooses her partner, discovers her sexuality or is a boss lady? The answer, of course, for now, is a big NO.
The contribution and struggles of women in every sphere of life are huge. From participating in India’s freedom to becoming revolutionaries in science, politics, education, social change, and more, there are many courageous stories that inspire each one of us. It’s time when we women and girls discover ourselves and not let society label us or try to fit us in a box.
Every young woman has the right to be treated as equal. The responsibility lies on every individual regardless of gender.
We are not asking for something ideal but we are just demanding better.
Dear fellow women,
I hope you find the strength and courage to voice up for yourself, I hope you achieve everything that you ever aspire for. I hope you get to be yourself and also encourage and support other women. Happy Women’s Day! Empower, embrace and be you.
More power to every woman out there!
Love
V.