Feminism in India: the Way Forward

Feminism debate has been long and ongoing in India. The culture where  women were worshipped and respected , has been reduced to one where they are glared, stared and talked down upon.

The movement to restore feminism in contemporary time itself is fragmented by caste, creed, sexuality and other disability. The "anti woman" treatment finds its justification through cliches that exist within various social normatives.  It is hard to say that perpetrators are men alone. There are several instances where women play greater role in perpetuating inequality against woman.

Being born as a "girl" has never been my concern since childhood, probably because born to a feminist mother, my rights were naturally enforced.  However, as I grow older, I realise  it is a my battle too, for I must stand with those who face gender inequality in our society. For me, Feminism is a fight for equality for women. The society which is predominantly patriarchal, is also equally hypocritical. Hence, the issue of equal rights to woman should be concern not only to the affected woman, but also to those unaffected self reliant lot who can strengthen the struggle for equality.

Discrimination of women and their unequal treatment is beyond contestation. Woman are that part of population, that is quintessential for procreation. Despite this, female infanticide is rampant in many parts of our country. In urban parts, even where there is no discrimination between a male and a female child, a sense of achievement and satisfaction is associated with birth of a male child. Only a few have risen above this.

While the sense of protection for girl child is higher, so is the level of sacrifice expected from them. Draupadi, who is considered to be epitome of feminism in India, is admired for her fortitude and sacrifice.  Those who don't wish to sacrifice and revolt against the patriarchy are often termed "feminist". The juxtaposition of strength and sacrifice which are attributable to females in our country
has caused more conundrum and not helped much  in raising position of women in society.

Another contradiction that has caused hindrance in procuring a status of equality and respect for woman is the attitude of menfolks towards women. While  at one side they are ready to bash up any one at slightest show of indecency towards their woman, be it their mother, sister, wife or friend. But the same men would not resist to pass any lewd remark on girls when they are out on their own.

Crime against women take various forms. Mental and emotional torture, enraging modesty of woman by passing lewd comments or indecent glares  are crimes equally disturbing .While crime against woman is on rise in India, the rate of conviction is fallen at an alarming rate.

To counter this,  we need to involve men as actively as woman,to advocate for equal rights and equal status for woman in our country. In the book Jewels of Authority, Women and Textual Tradition in Hindu India published by OUP, we find discussion on how unlike Western World,the feminist movement in India was initiated by men. In modern times,  involvement of men on similar lines, making them equal partners in our struggle for equality is required. Men need to be sensitized, acclimatised and  need to go through cultural morphosis.  Even a rude remark should be seen as a socially unaccepted behaviour.

Likewise,  women have to be more objective and show gender solidarity with those who are  victim of unequal treatment or violence that takes place around them.  I know many mothers who side their sons when their daughters or daughter in laws complain of rude and violent behaviour inflicted by the sons.

In name of protection, so many young girls are denied equal opportunity. If it is dark and unsafe for women to travel at night, instead of making an arrangement for safety, the mothers ask their daughters to remain indoors and give up their interest or desire. Sacrifice cannot be expected from women alone. In a family where a male does not take care of his family should be questioned and counselled.  So many  women domestic helpers are earning and taking care of their family without any support from their husbands. Situation then forces young kids to find  means to earn. There should be a law  not just for maintenance of woman, children and parents but also some law or policy to ensure that such men, who don't contribute to their family or child care can be put to question and compelled to act.

While jingoism and sloganeering has its own place and importance in this battle for equality for women, the effervescence of such movements dies quickly.  An attitudinal changes through perception building is necessary where both the gender are trained and sensitized on woman issues and their rights. Any indecent behaviour must be "shamed" and rejected by individuals. Woman disrespect should be seen as a crime as grave as homicide. Only then, we will the battle for equal rights and treatment for woman.