Perceived as weaker gender, women still strive for equality in society

Team Udayavani, Mar 8, 2021, 11:33 AM IST

In a patriarchal society, women are often viewed as the weaker gender and the thought is often sowed into their head right from the beginning. Despite the deep-rooted gender bias, we have examples of Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, Mary Kom, Indra Nooyi, Oprah Winfrey, Malala Yousafzai who set an example for others by defying to bend down or accept the normal norms.

While women are made to feel special on March 8 every year, the fact remains that on most other days of the year she has to fight for equal standing with her male counterparts at home, office and other places. And, thus it is pertinent that people are sensitised to issues regarding women.

Women Safety: Irrespective of what she decides to wear, the time she chooses to go out, a woman should feel secure that she won’t be judged for her character as well as not bogged down by thoughts such as is anyone stalking her etc.

The 2012 Nirbhaya case led to a lot of discussion on woman safety in India. But years later cases from Kathua, Hyderabad, Unnao, Hathras among few continue to reveal the horrible side of our society.

According to statistics, the rape accused is often known to the victim in over 90 percent of the cases. Majority of women do not feel safe in their own house too. According to a 2020 NCW survey 86% of women have experienced domestic abuse and 77% of the victims do not even mention the incident.

Gender Bias: Since women are viewed as the weaker gender, it is generally observed that most men do not prefer to have a woman command them. Very few women make it to the decision-making panels of corporates.

A woman getting a promotion or a fatter paycheque is also eyed suspiciously in our society. Even during the hiring process, a most stereotype question that is asked by an interviewer includes: Are you planning marriage soon? What about your family plans etc.

Studies also reveal that companies do not prefer to hire more of a woman workforce in night shifts as they have to make safety provisions for them including pick up and drop.

Body Shaming: Obese women are often inflicted with taunts and advises on how to lose weight. But people often forget that in most cases the weight gain could be related to factors other than binge-eating. PCOS, thyroid disorders, stress are few of the reasons why a woman gains weight.

Irrespective of all this, a woman should be viewed and respected for her knowledge and talent rather than her looks, skin colour and body stats.

Stress due to juggling between home & work responsibilities: In current times it is not just the educated women who step out to earn a livelihood but thanks to the several women self-help groups and NGOs, uneducated women too are being skilled to take up a job. While this is the good side of things, the grimmer reality is that a woman is expected to take care of both household and job responsibilities which often leads to a stressful life.

Workplace Harassment: Catcalls, oogling are not just restricted to the street alleys anymore. Women have complained of harassment at workplaces it could be an inappropriate touch by her colleague or a direct remark asking for physical favours etc.

The MeToo movement campaign in India saw several notable personalities being called out for their behavior

Taboo of Divorce: Women often live through a troubled marriage because of the stigma attached to divorce in our society. In rural India, girls are taught that their husband is Parmeshwar (Lord) who needs to ‘worshipped’.

ENOUGH is ENOUGH:

Women are not the weaker gender and if crimes against women need to be stopped there is an urgent need to sensitise and educate people to view them as equals.

Call out, speak up when and if anything wrong takes place. The government has NGOs that provide counselling.

There are several shelters, hotlines and counseling centres providing 24/7 services for those in need.

Prameela Rao, Managing trustee of Kalpa Trust, said, a well-equipped women rehabilitation centre must be established in the district. Also, it is very important that the government create awareness regarding the existing counseling centers and hotlines.

Radha S Bhat of Pragathi counseling centre, said counseling can help women in many ways, mainly it can help develop her own identity and be self-confident. It also helps the victim remain assertive and not fall prey to guilt trap.

On the other hand, the government must make efforts for the proper and effective enforcement of existing laws related to women.

Police officials are the immediate responders, they need to be sensitized to treat domestic violence cases as seriously as any other crime. They should be provided with information regarding the NGOs and other government agencies handling women-related issues.

If you are a victim of sexual harassment at workplace:

KEEP a written record of each instance of harassment. Also save any offensive letters, notes or memos received from the harasser.

DISCUSS the problem with the harasser, explaining your discomfort with his or her conduct and requesting that the harasser discontinue the offensive behavior.

NOTIFY your supervisor or someone in authority and contact The Internal Complaints Committee

FILE a complaint; It’s your right.