50% Reservation for Women

Celebrating Women’s Day: Fighting for Gender Equality

Once, an old man visited a gift shop to buy presents for his grandchildren. He asked the shopkeeper to wrap up the best-selling gifts for his two grandchildren—a grandson and a granddaughter. The shopkeeper carefully packed two gifts, one for each child. The old man took the gifts to his grandchildren, who eagerly unwrapped them. One received a toy gun, while the other received a toy kitchen set.

Now, the question is: Which gift was for the granddaughter and which one was for the grandson?

We live in a society that often holds rigid ideas about what is appropriate for men and women. Some things are thought to be for women, while others are believed to be for men.

If a girl behaves like a boy—wearing pants, shirts, or cutting her hair short—our society may label her as "bold" or "rebellious." However, if a boy dresses in what society considers "feminine" clothing, he is often ridiculed. This reflects a mindset that views men as stronger and women as weaker.

The term "homemaker" has traditionally been used to refer to women. It’s a fact that men are not typically expected to do domestic work like cooking, washing clothes, or cleaning. Even in advertisements, women are often shown promoting washing machines or cookware.

In society's eyes, if men were homemakers, it would be viewed as a substandard role.

A Shift in Society

This situation has not changed overnight. Compared to the past, women today have more freedom, but there are still deeply ingrained societal structures. We should remember practices like the "sati system" in India, which lasted for thousands of years. Many reformers dedicated their lives to fighting against such superstitions and practices to bring about change.

Now, more women are realizing that the current social setup is flawed and unequal. However, many are still hesitant to accept this reality, as we have all been raised in a society that has normalized these disparities.

Women must recognize that they are being oppressed by this system, and they need to fight against this injustice.

Anyone who supports humanity should also support gender equality.

Why Is Society Male-Dominated?

The root cause of gender inequality is the distribution of power. Historically, power has always been in the hands of men, even within our families. The father is typically seen as the head of the household, and we rarely question why fathers hold this role, rather than mothers.

For centuries, family property was passed down only to men. While we now have women’s property rights, the number of properties registered in women’s names remains quite low.

Are Women Physically Weaker?

A common argument against gender equality is that women are physically weaker and therefore unable to perform the same tasks as men.

Once, while in college, a girl asked my friend and me to help her move a heavy table. As we were carrying it, my friend commented that if a girl can't carry the table, how can she argue for gender equality? I replied, “What’s the heaviest weight you’ve ever lifted?” He said 25 kg. I responded, “Annie Mazerolle, a woman, can carry more than 70 kg. She could lift this table with one hand. So, who is weaker now?”

The girl who asked for our help couldn’t lift the table, not because she was inherently weaker, but because society restricts women from performing such tasks. As a result, she hasn’t developed the strength to carry heavy objects.

Women need to overcome these limiting beliefs and strengthen themselves. Women are not weaker—they are just as strong as men.

Why Do We Need Equality?

Equality is a fundamental right. Women face numerous struggles because of the unequal societal setup.

Every year, 12 million girls are married before the age of 18. In India, less than two-thirds of girls complete their primary education, and only one-third finish lower secondary school. Inequality leads to issues like lack of education, which in turn leads to poverty.

Women’s Reservation

The fight for 33.3% reservation for women in India continues to face significant opposition. This struggle is a result of the lack of women’s participation in politics.

Globally, out of 195 countries, only 6 have secured gender equality.

Until every woman realizes that she is oppressed by society and stands up for her rights, it will be difficult to achieve equality.

Celebrating Women’s Day

As we celebrate Women’s Day, let’s not just stop at sending well wishes. Let’s make room for women in our minds and in our society.

It is crucial for women to empower themselves. The women’s community must raise awareness, not just in cities, but also in rural areas.

Happy Women’s Day!

Article by: Daniel Justine