Equality of women Myth or reality

From president of India to CEO of MNC the charisma of Indian women is creating a new story of Indian women. No doubt Indian woman has become stronger than ever as she has started taking her own financial decisions and moving on the roads without any assistance. But besides these rosy pictures female feticide, increasing number of dowry cases, rape cases discriminatory behavior and exploitation of women from house to office depicts another story.

In the city like Gorakhpur where 20 years back the woman were rare in the offices and on the roads has lady as a mayor, Anju Chowdhary. She opines, “. Woman is ‘Durga’ the source of power and she knows how to handle the situation as she pays toll of being women every now and then. Men try to show down a woman all the time especially when she is at a senior position. Most of the women are underestimated and seen who are poor at handling office matters. Woman has come far but still she has to cover a long journey as she has to change the perception of the society about her. One more thing I’d like to say if woman wishes take the world on her stride she has to leave two ill practices; jealousy and not supporting another woman. The figures of girl child are very depressing as the latest census shows that the gap between the numbers of girls per 1,000 boys up to the age of six has widened to 914, a decrease from 927 a decade ago, at the 2001 census. Females have to come forward to save a female breathing inside her.”

Anita Mishra, 42, homemaker, Jafra bazaar resident avers, “I feel exalted when I see a woman driving a car or riding a scooty as we were not privileged to do so 20-25 years back. I remember I wanted to be lawyer as most of my family members are lawyers but my parents told me to take another profession like teaching as my presence in the court will make them feel awkward. I have two children a daughter and a son and I try to give them equal rights in selecting their career. I am a simple homemaker so I’m totally dependent on my husband financially. I suggest financial independence for woman as it makes them powerful enough in asserting their decisions especially when the matter includes money. Dowry is the greatest evil and we should deny it in any form.”

Minty Ahuja, Bank employee, says, “I feel depressed when I see that woman are rarely asked for their opinion when the family makes investment or go for fix deposits and insurance policies. They just sign the paper if it is under their name. Woman is at the back seat in most of the cases when the family takes financial decisions even in very well to do and so-called educated families. Woman should start giving value to their opinions then only others will. Law has given woman equal property rights but in reality the percentage of privileged woman is very less. We should be aware of our rights as the foundation of freedom, justice and fraternity is based on the recognition of the inherent dignity and of equal and inalienable rights to all the members of the society.”

Arjumand Bano