Women's Social Status: Are They Co-Responsible?

As a woman, I firmly believe that women are not co-responsible for their social status. While societal roles and expectations can influence and challenge women, ultimately, the responsibility lies with us. Let’s explore the nuances of this issue.

Perception of Equality and Respect

The primary problem in many societies, including mine, is how we perceive the issue of social equality, whether it's rights based on caste, religion, or gender. We tend to seek approval of our equality from the dominant class of people, whether in terms of caste, religion, or gender. But why?

Why do we seek validation from the majority? When we are constitutionally equal, why do we need a stamp of approval from the dominant class? Let's consider the principles of equality. We don’t love Sachin Tendulkar because he is a man; we love him for his cricketing skills. Similarly, we should praise and recognize Mithali Raj for her cricketing talent, not for stories or comments confined to gender.

Gender Sensitivity in Media and Society

Mithali Raj, the captain of the Indian women's cricket team, was recently asked by reporters about her favorite male cricketer. Her response that “you don’t ask a male cricketer the same question” was celebrated. However, it’s important to differentiate between media and societal respect and attention.

People don’t ask about favorite female cricketers because women’s cricket is less popular, not because of a lack of respect for women. Conversely, actresses like Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra gain respect due to their work and achievements. When we seek respect, it often translates to superficial attention, not substantive recognition.

Evolving Gender Roles and Education

The argument often made is that in ancient times, men and women were equal. However, with the advent of agriculture, men began to dominate, and ego played a significant role. We blame fathers for not providing equal educational opportunities to their daughters. However, we live in the 21st century, and education is more accessible than ever.

According to the 2011 Census report, there has been significant progress:

The number of girls in mid-school has increased by 64. The number of girls in secondary school has increased by 50. The number of girls in senior secondary education has increased by 146. The percentage of women completing graduation has risen to 116. The percentage of women completing post-graduation has risen by 151. The number of women with teacher training degrees has increased by 122. The number of women with degrees in medicine has grown by 157. The number of women in engineering has risen by 326.

Despite these advancements, why hasn’t the social status of women improved as drastically? Because even after education, women often surrender to traditional roles. They take on the responsibilities of the home, sometimes for the entire duration of their lives. There is nothing wrong in being a homemaker, but the key is to mindfully choose this path.

Empowerment and Self-Respect

Even educated women often conform to societal expectations. When they have children, they tend to leave their careers, opting for the role of a family surrogate. While there is nothing inherently wrong with being a homemaker, it becomes problematic when women accept an inferior role and succumb to family pressures.

It's essential to rise above these expectations. As educated individuals, we should be independent and take pride in our choices. Stand up for yourself, respect yourself, and others will respect you. Empowerment starts with self-respect and self-empowerment.

In conclusion, while societal roles and responsibilities can influence and challenge women, the ultimate responsibility lies with us. Let's break free from the chains of traditional roles and embrace our strength and empowerment.