Women : Each for Equal

I was about 20 years old when I first heard the word ‘feminism’. To me, it seemed like something contrary to patriarchy. There were so many misconceptions and wrong notions attached to the word that I never really understood what it really meant to the people who strive for it. Till 20 years of age, I had not even heard the term so that itself explains that we as a country had never considered it a serious movement or something to be pondered about. Even today I see many people using the term as if it’s a curse word and completely misinterpreting its value in society.

As a Psychology student and lover, I have a basic interest in understanding peoples’ mindsets when they express their views about something. Women in Indian society have more or less been considered secondary due to innumerable factors for a very long time. Today when a woman does something which is stereotyped to be done only by a man, for example, smoking or cheating in a relationship it’s more often considered to be a taboo or almost a path-breaking behavior. As a society, there have been many restrictions and limits only for one gender and now when women try to break those barriers they are facing new age issues like the wage gap, not considering women for promotions or managerial positions.

Serious issues like workplace harassment, honor killings, gang-rapes, child sexual abuses have also found to be increased a lot and even though the issues are getting out in public, many women still cannot raise their voices against them due to consequences like death or even rape threats nowadays.

But on the brighter side, all’s not lost. As a female who wants to create a better place for other women in society, I can see that other women are becoming more and more receptive. I can tell you from my personal experience that strong female friendships are one of the greatest strengths I have had all my life. Women empowerment is not just a movement. It’s right now the biggest asset we women can use. The whole point of women empowerment, according to me, is providing them the support in the way they need so that they can stand up for themselves more efficiently and become more independent. It does not aim at belittling the other genders or placing one gender at the highest. It is, in fact, the opposite of that where all the people come together to provide support to those in need and work in a healthy manner.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EachForEqual which speaks volumes for itself. Let’s together create a safe space not just for women but for all of us where everyone is kind to each other and open to differences of opinions, values, and preferences. The world will be a better place where we stand for each other instead of pulling each other down. In this ever-changing and unpredictable world, only the acts of humanity will save us. Here’s wishing everyone a very happy International Women’s Day.

Chinmayee Aphale

Intern (Vidula Psychological Consultancy, Pune)