Break the Bias

 International Women's Day!

This day is celebrated with much fanfare and enthusiasm every year. The usual panel discussions on TV and other platforms, empowered women giving speeches, the get togethers with women decked up in their fineries, social media flooded with forwards having inspiring quotes etc.

As the brouhaha gradually dies down, it  makes me wonder ,why do we actually need a special day ? Shouldn't women be celebrated everyday ?

These celebrations are done by a privileged few who have got the opportunities to dream big and achieve their aspirations. But the ground reality is that a major chunk of women in our society are oblivious to even the existence of such a day. They struggle everyday to break the shackles of patriarchy. They toil endlessly as they bear domestic violence, drunken outbursts, unwanted sexual advances and  humiliation by a male dominated society. Inspite of being the sole breadwinners of the family sometimes, they  fail to lead a decent life of dignity. Open the newspaper and u have headlines staring in your face about rapes, acid attacks, witch branding, honour killing and other violence against women. It angers and pains me and makes me wonder if these Women's Day celebrations are actually a sham!

In our society the only expectation kept from a male child is that he gets born! The birth of a male child is gloated upon as if it is going to be the end of all miseries and the family will attain Nirvana! We always talk about empowering our daughters, raising them to be self reliant, strong and independent women. But it is equally important to sensitise our sons and raise them into compassionate human beings who respect women and treat them as equals, not subordinates

 The theme for this year is "Gender equality  today for a sustainable tomorrow". Any small step taken in this direction will translate into a collective difference in the society.

Positive changes are happening with increasing representation of women in various  traditionally male dominated spheres like politics, police, army, corporate sector, finance, marketing and  healthcare. More women are now financially independent and taking their own decisions with confidence.   

Each one of us should pledge to make a difference in the life  of at least  one woman around us who is not as lucky as we are. And we should make a contribution, however small, towards making this world a better place to live for our future generations.    


- Dr. Angelica Mehta

 

       


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