Women’s Rights – A myth or a reality
On March 9, 2023 by Khushboo Rani
A man or a woman first treats us as a human.
You put us in prison and take away our rights.
But we will always strive, and bring up our fights.
We may seem to retreat, but oh dear! You can’t defeat.
Fortunately, we have numerous reasons to cherish and celebrate womanhood on this eve of International women’s day. Many of us have privileges such as the right to equality, the right to education, the right to expression, the right to a dignified life, right to make our own decisions and choices. Many of us as a woman has successfully claimed our rights. We have made our way through all the struggles and inequalities.
But what strikes me the most is that even after so many years many women are still fighting for their rights. I did not want to sound pessimistic though but I also could not ignore things going around me. What rights are we talking about here and for whom? In this digitally advanced modern world, if even a single woman is deprived of the so-called women’s rights, isn’t it a failure on our part and the failure of the nations?
The world is witnessing the heinous crime of human rights violations let alone women’s rights. In significantly prominent organizations, associations, committees, and groups everyone is quiet. One might say we are raising voices, publishing articles, and giving interviews in their support but is it helping? Being a privileged individual and having a platform to express views freely is a luxury to someone.
We may never understand the plight of women in Taliban-led Afghanistan who is struggling and suffering each day to have their basic human rights. Women are fleeing the country, getting married off, quitting their studies. There also are many courageous and inspiring women whose courage needs to be applauded. But how can we celebrate one’s success and courage when others are suffering? This leaves a big question mark on the globe.
Let us move to the rights of Indian women now. Big cities, modern societies, advanced institutions and the educated eminent members no doubt are the ones exercising their human rights. What about the rural women? Girls are married at a young age, not allowed to complete their schooling, are beaten and ill-treated by their husbands, not included in the family decisions, abused for dowry, and physically and sexually assaulted inside the four walls of their own homes.
On the factual side as per the latest report by The National Family Health Survey (NFHS), a large-scale, and multi-round survey conducted in Indian households claimed that 29.3% of married Indian women between the ages of 18-49 years have faced domestic violence/or sexual violence. 3.1% of pregnant women between the ages of 18-49 have experienced physical violence during any pregnancy and that’s just the number of cases reported by women. The plight is that the majority of the women don’t even know they have the right to speak against such atrocities.
Though I believe the protection of rights especially that of women is not just the responsibility of organizations or committees but that of every privileged individual. Every single man and woman should support and stand up for one another. We need to understand the root cause as in why we even need to talk about women’s rights and who is violating the rights. It starts from our homes and our families. The women in the families in a dominant positions are depriving the other women of their basic human rights. The men in the families are ignorant and are not supportive enough.
The day we all take up this responsibility and stand up against all kinds of violations of rights as humans will be the real celebration of Women’s day. No doubt the world has improved on this front, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all could play a part in that improvement? Protection of women’s rights is not just about big reforms and numerous conferences but it’s also about taking one step ahead to stand for the rights for ourselves and of the ones who can’t.
We need to sensitize and spread awareness about the rights of women in our country. We need to intervene and speak as good citizens whenever our rights are violated. The day will come when there will be no suffering and no violations of rights. Women have always stood up and will keep showing courage but we as privileged individuals need to support and encourage them. That will be a real celebration of women’s day and that will be the real respect for them.
Look into the history, woman is a fighters.
Encourage her and she will shine even brighter.
Support her and show her respect,
She will excel in every aspect.
