The world celebrates another Women’s Day; professes to empower women. But what is the realityIJ Do we see any difference in the actual perception of womenIJ Is anyone in a position to look at the world and its values from the female point of viewIJ
The females have been looked upon as the fairer sex, an object to satisfy the sexual needs of man – be it at the visual or physiological level. Probably, that is the reason behind the importance given to physical beauty for that can attract the man effortlessly and hence, all efforts were made to develop the physical appearance. How far has this changedIJ Anybody would vouch for the fact that day by day this emphasis on development of the supposed beauty or physical appearance has increased and reached that stage when the cosmetic industry has been able to cash in on the near frenzy.
All creams and lotions are marketed to make women look fairer and younger. In fact, the beauty industry has gone far ahead to chisel the nose, improve the breasts, suck the fat from undesirable areas, and endow women with different coloured lenses to please the eyes of onlookers. The females are now convinced that they must possess the figure/statistics conceived and agreed upon by a supposedly elite group to be the standard for an ideal woman. Any woman who is not endowed with the shade of skin accepted as beautiful or the figure is made to feel worthless and spend her time and money in acquiring those, even at the cost of her health in the long run.
In the name of fashion parade and beauty contests, women are paraded and photographed nearly nude. Even those who are talented otherwise are drawn into this web and sports stars focus on attire which is not just convenient but provocative. The society has succeeded in brainwashing the female that it is her prime objective to look attractive and all other attributes are subsidiary. In earlier days, the female anatomy was enjoyed only by a restricted few, and within the confines of a room, even in the case of prostitutes, but today, it has become readily and freely available to all and sundry.
As regards the quality and skill associated with females, what is the status todayIJ The finer skills of embroidery, handicrafts, painting etc, have very few takers among both genders. The role of mother is supplemented if not substituted to a great extent by paid nannies or child care centres. Children grow up with little company of either parents, who are too busy to spare time, but can afford to spare funds generously. The basic life skill of food preparation, associated with women, is not developed in both genders because this is not taught at home or in schools. The ‘dial-a-meal’ or ‘eating outside’ culture has fast destroyed the need to develop the skill but promoted the food industry. The virtue of patience, forgiving and emotional support which are vital for life to flourish and meaningful existence and were classified as feminine traits are now looked upon as weaknesses in both genders. Hence, the selfish, angry destroyer, considered a success in society, is a role model for emulation. The society is also facing the brunt and paying the price for destroying the feminine virtues/qualities.
A girl is considered successful only if she can compete with the boy and excel in the areas he is good at. WhyIJ Hence she works very hard, and then does not find time or energy to horn those skills and qualities, which would have been easier for her to master. Why are the boys and men not made to develop those skills and qualities, traditionally associated with the femalesIJ Many women have not entered politics because they do not want to pay the price demanded. Everything in life comes with a price. The success of any one depends on the level up to which he or she feels contented in life. What is the point in conquering the whole world and then still remaining dissatisfiedIJ Men need the power and wealth to give them a sense of self esteem and therefore, harp on position and politics to gain these. Women do not really care much for these because their strength lies elsewhere. Will the world allow a woman to be her own self instead of trying to groom her and judge her by the standards set by men and for menIJ The society must accept and appreciate a woman at any strata of society, and not exploit her for sexual gratifications and financial benefits or use her to vent the frustration or satisfy the injured ego or perverted weaknesses.
(The writer is Deputy Commissioner, KV Sangathan, Bhubaneswar Region.)