Yesterday was women's day. Newspapers were full of articles about certain successful women and how women are excelling in various fields. They are entering domains that were previously considered to be men's arena. There were ads for various products for women and for men to gift to their women to make them feel special. It was said that it is a day to celabrate womenhood etc etc.
It made me question that "Why isnt there similarly a men's day???", "Why is it that women require a day to celebrate their womenhood while men dont need any such day at all???". We talk about equality of women and at the same time we have such daysAll the talks about equality and stuff are just that, talks. . I find this day to be a symbol of the fact that women still have a long way to go even to reach somewhat to the same status as men. If we look at the Indian scenario where more than 70% of the population is in rural areas then I guess we should look at the situation of women in such areas. Even today women are considered to be a commodity there. Even today they are brutally abused, embarassed, harassed, molested and what not on the basis of them being witches. Ever heard of "wizards" getting punished? NO then why only females. Even today we have female trafficking. Even today females are being burned and tortured for dowry and several other meagre reasons and this thing is prevalent even in educated urban homes. Many times we come across cases where well educated females are being tortured by their inlaws. The cases of rape and molestation are on the high. Then in what terms are we talking about the equality of women. The situation has definitely improved if we compare present India with the India 70yrs ago. But is the pace of the improvement satisfactory?? The number of females getting educated has increased and the number of female foeticide has decreased but is this change in pace with the expected improvement. Why is it that dowry system exists till date in most of the homes no matter how educated or "modern" they are? and the same is the case with female foeticide. Even today females are expected to stay at home and take care of household and children no matter how well educated they are. Even today men consider it below their dignity to help in the household chores even though their wives are working in equally challenging jobs
With such a mentality we can never talk about the equality of women. Its nothing but a farce in the present scenario. The day when we start having days like "International Men's Day" or the day when "International Women's Day" loses its value will be the day when we can say that women have somewhat the same status as men.
P.S: You might think I am a feminist but according to me, I am a realist.
It made me question that "Why isnt there similarly a men's day???", "Why is it that women require a day to celebrate their womenhood while men dont need any such day at all???". We talk about equality of women and at the same time we have such daysAll the talks about equality and stuff are just that, talks. . I find this day to be a symbol of the fact that women still have a long way to go even to reach somewhat to the same status as men. If we look at the Indian scenario where more than 70% of the population is in rural areas then I guess we should look at the situation of women in such areas. Even today women are considered to be a commodity there. Even today they are brutally abused, embarassed, harassed, molested and what not on the basis of them being witches. Ever heard of "wizards" getting punished? NO then why only females. Even today we have female trafficking. Even today females are being burned and tortured for dowry and several other meagre reasons and this thing is prevalent even in educated urban homes. Many times we come across cases where well educated females are being tortured by their inlaws. The cases of rape and molestation are on the high. Then in what terms are we talking about the equality of women. The situation has definitely improved if we compare present India with the India 70yrs ago. But is the pace of the improvement satisfactory?? The number of females getting educated has increased and the number of female foeticide has decreased but is this change in pace with the expected improvement. Why is it that dowry system exists till date in most of the homes no matter how educated or "modern" they are? and the same is the case with female foeticide. Even today females are expected to stay at home and take care of household and children no matter how well educated they are. Even today men consider it below their dignity to help in the household chores even though their wives are working in equally challenging jobs
With such a mentality we can never talk about the equality of women. Its nothing but a farce in the present scenario. The day when we start having days like "International Men's Day" or the day when "International Women's Day" loses its value will be the day when we can say that women have somewhat the same status as men.
P.S: You might think I am a feminist but according to me, I am a realist.
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