Judged Differently

The status of women within our society exhibits infinite variations. It is a disheartening reflection on our society that women not only feel insecure and unprotected on deserted roads and car parks but also within the confines of their own homes. The condition of women in India has always been a matter of grave concern. For several centuries, women in India have been denied equal opportunities and status compared to their male counterparts. The patriarchal nature of Indian society, which endows respect to women as mothers and sisters, has significantly hindered their independence and safety. One of the principal reasons for violence against women is the mindset that considers women inferior to men, limiting their significance to maintaining households, pleasing their husbands, and serving their families. Despite changing times, this mentality continues to prevail in the minds of several narrow-minded Indians. The character of women in India is evaluated differently than that of men, and men in our society have inherited patriarchal values that are dominating towards women.

This article examines the impediments faced by impoverished urban women in their mobility and participation in society due to violence and insecurity. An article published in the "INDIAN EXPRESS" brought to light numerous instances where women's voices were silenced, such as in the case of the "KHAP" panchayat of Haryana, who hold women responsible for their own rape and sexual harassment. Two recent incidents are noteworthy; the first being a suggestion made by the khap panchayat that marrying at a younger age would protect women from rape, as they would then have husbands to safeguard them. The second incident involves the adverse impact of domestic violence, where children who witness their mothers being abused become desensitized to such behaviour and replicate it themselves.

According to an article in Soma Basu's book, "Gender and Discrimination", Indian men are instilled with an inflated sense of self-importance, reinforced by their mothers, who assure them that whatever they say or do is correct. They are raised with a degree of self-righteous conviction in their decisions that only the ignorant possess. They believe that their decisions are the only ones that matter, and they do so with an almost religious fervour. These beliefs lead them to presume dominance over women, considering them as the weaker sex. If a woman speaks up for herself, she is stigmatized and classified in a derogatory manner. Additionally, long-standing customs and traditions have contributed to the patriarchal nature of Indian society.

Mythology is replete with tales of kings going to great lengths to rescue damsels in distress. This has perpetuated the false notion that Indian women cannot have it so bad, as they are revered. However, the opposite is true. In traditional Indian culture, girls are socialized to become good wives, rather than independent women with their own careers. Traditional values dictate that women are only valuable for their ability to produce children and preserve culture. During a personal interview with a family, it became apparent that this mentality still prevails. Families often view women as objects to be controlled, who must remain pure. Women are considered the property of their fathers, and later, their husbands. It is common to hear parents expressing concern about "losing face" in the community, which results in boys enjoying all the freedom they desire, while girls are constantly advised to avoid anything that would "bring shame". Such an outlook can lead to forced marriages or even murder by one's own parents. Mothers are known to excuse their sons' heinous crimes by saying, "If these girls roam around openly like this, then the boys will make mistakes." Certain customs and traditions, such as Karva Chauth, where the bride fasts for the entire day for the long life of her husband, perpetuate the idea of girls as damsels in distress, who need their knight in shining armor. Raksha Bandhan is another example, where the sister ties a thread on her brother's wrist and the brother promises to protect her from all evil. These customs and traditions make the second sex appear vulnerable and weak. Males, as a result, enjoy a dominant position in controlling and dominating women. These societal attitudes are why the female character is judged differently, and there is a set of values and expectations that everyone has for women.

The status of women in Indian society has suffered greatly due to the prevalence of practices such as Sati, child marriages, and a prohibition on remarriage by widows in certain communities. It is customary for women throughout India to wear a sari or salwar kameez, and a bindi is often included in their makeup. Despite common misconceptions, the bindi on the forehead does not denote marital status, but the Sindoor does. Women are expected to follow certain norms and conditions dictated by societal expectations. A recent article in the Times of India highlights the continuing struggle for women's rights, as evidenced by a series of recent incidents. In the wake of an attack on a woman in the northeastern city of Guwahati and a call by an Islamist group in Jammu & Kashmir for female tourists to dress more conservatively, a group of village elders in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh, has instituted new rules aimed at ensuring women's safety. However, these rules come at the cost of individual freedom for women.

"The worth of a civilisation can be judged from the position that it gives to women."

One of the hallmarks of India's ancient culture is the high regard for women, which is among the many factors that underscore the greatness of this society. However, during the Muslim period, women's rights were often overlooked, leading to inequality with men. The influence of culture and tradition in society cannot be ignored, and when these elements result in a patriarchal and dominating environment, women are often left at a disadvantage.

Despite the challenges that women face in India, they have played an instrumental role in the country's progress and development. Women have excelled in diverse fields, and they serve as an inspiration to many. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that there is systematic discrimination against women in India, including limited access to education, health, and property rights, inadequate nutrition, child labor, and domestic violence. The fear of sexual violence has been a significant factor in restricting women's behavior and curtailing their freedom.

To counteract this discrimination and inequality, it is essential to address the unequal distribution of physical and economic power between men and women. There must be a concerted effort to eliminate all forms of discrimination and to promote gender equality. It is crucial to judge individuals based on their character and not on their gender. By doing so, we can create a society that values and respects all individuals regardless of their gender, and where women are able to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as men.