I am proud to be a woman ! I think I can say this confidently and with pride because I was born in a decent, open minded family and also got married in a family who GAVE me my space , respect and freedom. Yes I am using the word ‘GAVE’ !!! Even today in our society, a woman has to find somebody who gives her freedom! It is never assumed that freedom is a birth right of every individual, irrespective of gender, caste or community.

I was again fortunate to get opportunities to climb the ladder of success  in a corporate and later in a social sector. Of course I made sure I utilized all the opportunities in life to be productive for myself as well as for the society. I found myself once again lucky inspite of major tragedy in my life. I could live my life with dignity, and respect also on my own terms and conditions  even after my husband’s death…which is still not so acceptable in our Indian society.

But I am sure not every woman is lucky enough to say, ‘I am proud to be a woman’

There are families that still mourn when a girl child is born.

There are girls who are still killed in the mother’s womb. 

There are girls who are still sold for few rupees. 

There are girls who are still forced to become prostitutes. 

There are girls who are still sexually abused by their own family members. 

There are girls who are still raped and murdered randomly.

There are women who are still burnt for dowry. 

There are women who are still forced to follow tradition of Sati after the husband’s death. 

There are women who are still forced to live an isolated life after the husband’s death. 

There are women who are still disowned by their families for giving birth to a girl child. 

There are women who are still treated like slaves in their own homes after marriage. 

There are girls who are still deprived of basic education.

There are women who don’t have any say in their own homes

There are women who continue staying in failed marriages, for the sake of society status.

…and the list goes on …

 

While celebrating women’s day … I think of all those unfortunate women who are going through hell without any fault of theirs. Whom to blame? Luck? Destiny? Stars? Past Karma?

No… it’s the ‘mindset’ of our society!

I think it’s high time to take action against this inequality, different rules for men and women.

We women are almost 50% of the total world’s population. If we start helping each other, I am sure we can make a difference. Let’s take charge of our lives , and also make an effort to bring a positive
change in someone’s life who is not as fortunate as you. Charity begins at home. Educate your boys to respect women. Empower girls to take charge of their own life and see the change …

 

Let’s hope for a future where every woman can say ,‘ I am proud to be a woman ‘

Happy Women’s Day! Happy Women’s Week ! Let’s celebrate the joy of being a woman. Earn our own respect by respecting gender equality!

Let there be happiness,  peace , love and harmony forever!

 Aarati Savur