Friday, March 8, 2013

International Women's Day and Security of Women

On this International Women's Day, we are celebrating the emancipation of women all over the world. But let us do some introspection also. Let us be frankly speaking.

Are we 100% sure that all women truly enjoy the freedom and share equal rights with men in all spheres? Are they equally secure and free from fear to do whatever they want just like men do?

Giving answer to these questions may make you think for a while as you are not sure of their security in many situations and environments.


Now, let us talk about women in India. In India, basically, women are considered to be subordinate to men.  In most circumstances, man thinks his decision is the final verdict in any matter. He expects the woman to adhere to his decisions and act or behave accordingly. He did not like woman's dominance over him. Even though he may be talking of equality of woman, he may still be feeling that she should adhere to his wishes and orders.


Some Baseless Mentalities

It has been inherited traditionally, that man is superior to woman. That she is weak and needs protection. That she should be taken care of and protected by man. That woman can not live without the man. But, in case of a man, there is no such assumption that he can not live without woman nor does he need protection, etc.


So, basically, a woman feels that she is weak if not supported by a man and thereby develops a mentality that she can not stand and face society if she is not protected by her man. This innate feeling of a woman makes her weak and inferior to man.


This feeling of insecurity in women is further increased by violent acts of men like his anger, scolding, beating and harassment with threats and other indecent acts, etc.

What Needs to Be Done

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So, the first thing that women must do is to eradicate this feeling of fear and insecurity from their minds. They should try to develop confidence, courage, and the willpower to do things as they like instead of listening mutely to their men and submitting to their compulsions. Confidence is the most important factor as without confidence they cannot take decisions to act. They should develop some courage to express their likes and act accordingly. They should develop the courage to face and challenge the anti-women minded men and their crimes against them.

It is true that the environment has changed now and people's thinking mentality is changing. We find women stepping out bravely and participating in all activities even surpassing men. They have attained some topmost positions in all fields.


The Emergence of Women Activists and Laws

But even now, men's atrocities are not stopping. The recent Delhi Gang Rape of Nirbhaya, the abduction and shooting of Pakistani teenage rights activist cum schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai and other such incidents have drawn uproar and anguish from all corners with women coming out on roads in such unexpectedly massive gatherings to express protests with huge loud voices indicating that they will no more bear the atrocities and crimes of the society. Further, the fight back put out by these victims, indicates their extreme courage, fearlessness and determination.


Our Laws are also being made more and more strict and stringent to safeguard women's rights and impose stringent punishment on culprits. Many women upliftment and welfare schemes have been launched by our government to create awareness among women and provide them security, education and employment and medical care.


Transformation in Mentality is Needed

In spite of all this, unless women develop the willpower and determination to face challenges and fight with men's atrocities and social evils, how long can any law protect them from harassment and humiliations? What is the use of such laws merely imposing punishment after the occurrence of the crime?


Further, all men should try to create a healthy and safer environment for women. They should cooperate with women in making their living conditions better by treating them with respect and giving equal rights and freedom to them. So, pledge for this cause today. This will be the most valuable and greatest gift you will be giving to your women on this "International Women's Day ".