While being a selfless member in the family, it is expected and very often it comes naturally to her – that a woman fulfills the role of caring and nurturing siblings and elders not just at home but often in the community. Despite that, given the economically difficult times we are living in, she is often compelled to take on paid employment to support the family, ALONGWITH her daily chores. Irrespective of gender, including of her own new born, she has a masterplan – to love & give and ensure her kith and kin get the best and become the best. She carries the ’seeds’ for the next generation which will be cursed if it does not care for the womb, the ma, the behen or the (nari) shakti….The connotation is so powerful, who are we to reduce it?
Our festivals also show that a woman is the main participant if not the center of every festival – Raksha Bandhan, Karwa Chauth, Diwali, Teej, Durga Puja, Navratri……. The list is long! But….. Has anyone ever given a thought to ask – what is it that a woman, as another human, want from others and from life?
Respect, dignity, security? Versus being taken for granted; being objectified or being victimised. Women themselves too, need to get vocal and occupy a meaningful space in society, for example take their health seriously and not allow dehumanization if it occurs. A woman also wants to survive and has a right like every other human, to that.
Let us for one stop anyone from saying ‘bichare’ to the parents of every girl that is born and disrespect that new life by saying ‘bichari’ when she starts understanding the word, because she will shrivel before she blooms.
“While India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, it is also one of the most unequal countries. These widening gaps affect woman and children the most.”*
Blog/ Chandni (https://www.oxfam.org/en/india-extreme-inequality-numbers)
