Women in Indian Society

Gender bias is deeply rooted in Indian society. In fact, over the years it has seeped in through the walls and pillars, like a monsoon mold. And no one can change this fact, I have tried on a personal level and failed miserably. I will highlight a few points on the condition of women in Indian society, in this article.

The problem with gender bias in Indian society is that it is the females, who promote the very existence and growth of the women discrimination in India. The pity is that, they don't even realize that the status of women in Indian society is bad. Forget the nationwide gender bias, let's take a look at a few household examples.

I have seen my mother do it, but I know I can't (or rather, can but won't). Whenever there is a social function or festive occasion, I feel an open mouthed shock on the ability of women to be self oppressed. Twenty thousand people (that is a hyper exaggeration) will be invited for dinner and all the females will pack themselves in the kitchen, since morning, getting the million and one things ready. The males, well, they'll be out doing their errands or chatting with the guests. I know I may be sounding bitter, but I don't care, because I strongly feel that this is wrong. Don't you? I sometimes wonder how these women can enjoy the festive mood amidst all the cooking and cleaning. The role of women in Indian society has solely become that of an oil, that keeps the household machinery running smoothly. It is the cooking, the cleaning and the housekeeping (not to forget child rearing), that has kept women busy all these years, and this is not changing with the changing times.

Some households are progressive, for they employ cooks to do the catering. But yet again, the household females go in and out, the whole day long, to serve the guests in the traditional Indian hierarchy. The patriarch and the older males, then the junior males, then the matriarch and the older females and lastly the junior females. The poor ladies end up eating their lunches past tea time. I wonder if anyone can stand straight and honestly say, without a blink, that this is a fair system. It is sad but true, that many in India, actually justify it. I am yet to meet a man, who helps in these chores, as these are solely the woman's job.

How can I forget the dress code. Many families in India insist that a sari be worn by the females, at all special occasions. While I am all for it, I hate the compulsion. A lady should wear what she wants to wear, because she has the right. Many will stand up and question this statement saying, "What if she comes wearing a skirt." While I do not condone it, I still believe that it is her right and choice. I don't see anyone forcing the males to wear a dhoti?

I especially hate it, when some elderly female stands up and says that this is a custom and has to be done, for we also did it and so should you. Worse is, when they say that you must do so because you were born a female. That is the sad irony of being a woman in India. Wait, there's more. There are still families, that will not allow their girl child to play cricket or lingorcha with a bunch of boys. Why? What's wrong with that. She's just playing, isn't she! Let her choose her friends, her games, her career and her guy, she deserves it. Let your daughter be. Don't be the fence that keeps her imprisoned. Set her free and she will make you proud.

The list can go on and on, for, right from her birth, till the day she passes away, an Indian women faces women discrimination in Indian society. The rights and position of women in Indian society is really bad when compared with world standards. I wonder, when people will wake up to the fact that women are strong powerhouses, capable of achieving things beyond the household threshold, if provided with opportunity. My personal opinion is that Indian women can surpass Indian males in all fields. If that ever becomes a reality, I am sure the women will be more considerate at the time of such a social role reversal.

I believe that these redundant and obsolete customs are still being followed in an otherwise progressed India, because we, the females, let them happen. Until someone stands up for herself and gives a resolute 'no', things will not change. We need the herd hypothesis to stick, for the other females to follow. Until some female starts with changing her household, other household will not follow. The problem needs to be nipped in the bud, at the household level, to cure the country of it. Question is, ladies, will you let this change happen or will you, like always, act to your own detriment.

My words may sound harsh, but the subject deserves it. It is the small household gender discrimination, that leads on to bigger, national problems. Stop right there and correct the system, for it is all in your hands. The first step to change lies in accepting that there is a problem. I will be waiting for the time when I can scream at the top of my voice, "I am proud to be an Indian."