Women Empowerment a Reality or Farce?

  

                                       

          

Women empowerment has remained as the talk of the town for decades and has been a much talked, debated and discussed issue of far-reaching importance. Our prime minister is the ardent believer and advocate of women empowerment and for empowering women, he got reserved 33 % seats in parliament for the fairer sex and it will be implemented on the ground in near future and the state legislatures will also reserve 33 % seats for women. It is praise worthy that in our Panchayat’s 33% seats are already reserved for the women and this is not an ordinary thing but is a matter of extra-ordinary importance. One question crops the mind is that all including the central, state, UT governments and Panchayat as well as Urban local bodies talk of women empowerment but the pertinent question arises if the women empowerment in India is a reality or a farce and a far cry? 

The central government and state governments as well as UT’s are giving top most importance and attention towards women empowerment and are taking concerted and serious steps to empower women. Men and women are the two faces of the same coin or we can say that they are the two wheels of a bicycle and the journey of the life will not and cannot be successful without the equal opportunities and development of both the sexes. Without empowerment of women, we will have a lopsided development which is not needed. Governments make deliberate efforts for the empowerment of women but it is unfortunate that despite all this in reality and actual practice women empowerment sounds farce. One can say that women empowerment is a complex issue and a blend of emerging reality and persistent, farcical limitations. While educational advancements and legal rights provide tools for economic independence and leadership, deep -seated patriarchy, safety concerns, religious doctrines, dogmas and domestic burden often restrict this potential to a privileged few. It is a continues, uneven journey rather than a fully achieved reality. Women empowerment exists as a hybrid reality, manifesting as significant progress for somewhile remaining an elusive goal or farce for many others facing deep-rooted systemic discrimination. While education and economic participation are rising, violence, inequality, and patriarchal restrictions persist, making it a continuous journey rather than a fully achieved reality. Women empowerment is not a blanket reality, it is fragmented. It, is a reality for those in privileged, educated sectors but a myth for many living in poverty and facing exploitation. 

Arguments for Women Empowerment as a Reality: 

1. Education &Leadership - There is a surge in women pushing higher education and entering fields previously dominated by men.

2. Financial Independence -  An increasing number of women are working, attaining economic self-sufficiency.

3. Legal Protection - Government initiatives, legal rights, and reserved seats in political positions [e.g., panchayats] have increased representation and rights.

4. Breaking Stereotypes - Women are increasingly occupying high-level leadership positions, breaking societal norms

Arguments for Women empowerment as a Farce (Myth):

1:- Patriarchy and Control- In many cases, women in leadership roles (like in rural politics) have their decisions, in reality, made by male family members  (Sarpanchpati). 

2. Safety and Violence:- Despite progress, high rates of rape, domestic violence, and discriminations persist ,making safety a major challenge.

3. Double Burden: Women often carry the responsibility of both homer and work ,often sacrificing careers for family.

4. Gender Gap: Substantial gaps remain in the workplace, economic pay, and decision -making power, often leading to skewed sex ratios.

 Women empowerment is not a complete myth, nor is it a fully realised reality. It exists to a greater degree for those with privilege, while for many, especially in rural areas, it remains a distant promise. It is, as some argue, a "glass bubble’’ where women feel empowered but remain constrained by traditional limitations. The concept of women empowerment has undergone a multitude of change, but when perceived in the bigger picture turns out to be a farce at times. Since the advent of feminism, it may have reaped rich dividends on several fronts, but when perceived in bigger picture, it turns out to be a farce at times. Lot of importance to the adage - "Women at par with men’, is termed as coming of age of feminism. Viewed through the rose-tinted glasses by various societal agencies, including feminists, it sounds emancipating but overlooks the schism that exists between both genders, as humans first. In order to be "at par with men’’, women are still being asked to fit into many predetermined moulds as per "modern standards.’’ Is this truly women’s empowerment? 

The undercurrents of bias are so cleverly imbedded in the fabric of societal discourse that the subtlety of it comes across as a glorification of women, rather than being a prejudice. Some peculiar nuances of such glorification are self-complimentary phrases used by emancipated women on a day-to-day basis. The term "Women with a mind of her own’’ comes across as a gross underestimation of her mental abilities. In an amusing way, it categorizes women in general, as mindless, do we ever say, ’’A man with a mind of his own’’? An inferior status is given to women in our society. They are equal to men but not considered equal and discriminated in family and society. They face discrimination since they open their eyes in the world. That is why by seeing their low status, need to empower them was felt. Women empowerment means give power and equal status to women and make them able to face any challenge in society. Constitution of India provides various provisions to ensure gender equality. By, this, women have come forward and breached various stereotypes. They have proved that they are not inferior than men. Women’s status in society is good as well as bad. Good for those who belong to rich and respectable family and who have come forward to join various high occupations and bad for those who are poor and still limited to domestic responsibility, they are facing exploitation and discrimination and still living in a miserable condition. Women have empowered it is reality but all women have empowered is only a myth. 

The echoes of women’s empowerment, feminism, and the pursuit of equal rights resonate through the corridors of our society. While we have undeniably made progress in improving the lives of w0omen over the past few decades, there remains a palpable sense that true equality is still an elusive horizon. It is contemplated that the intricate tapestry of women’s lives my sway our hearts with a complex blend of emotions. There is awe in witnessing their resilience, beauty in their unwavering strength, and inspiration in their relentless pursuit of dreams. Yet, these feelings are tinged with profound sadness, for it is disheartening to realise that, despite the battles fought and stereotypes shattered, many women still find themselves living within confines of subjugation. The stark reality persists in many households, where, daughters are viewed as burdens, and the heavy shroud of early marriage descends upon them just as the cross that pivotal and, for many, dreaded milestone of 18 years. Even, in families where girls receive an education, their wings are often clipped before they can take flight. Yes, we worship and revere girls during Navratras but in actual life discrimination and even atrocities are heaped on them. 

To conclude, it can be safely said that women empowerment needs still much more efforts so that it becomes a reality in the male dominated country. Women should feel that they are equally treated and are not discriminated but empowered in reality and for this our governments, NGO’s and all of us need to put forth our sincere efforts in the direction of women empowerment and then and only then it will become a reality otherwise it will remain a farce/myth.