Isha Sharma : PhD Scholar (English) Department of Humanities and Social Sciences ITER, Bhubaneswar
Swayam Prabha Satpathy: Associate Professor (English) Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, ITER, Bhubaneswar
Since time immemorial, with the advent of human development, women have been at par with men, but the present scenario of generation Z looks forward for women equity. As rightly said by Christine Lagarde, more women can boost the economy by 35%. Around the world, individuals are putting their efforts in building a gender-balanced world through tangible action from grassroots to highly visible campaigns. In fact, the status, employment and work performed by women in society are the indicator of a nation’s overall progress. Without the participation of women in national activities, the social, economic or political progress of a country will be stagnated. In context, however, it should be noted that the term ‘empowerment’ has till date not been very explicitly defined. There is a need to contextually analyse whether it is equality or equity which is the need of the hour. Now, the focus has elevated to equal treatment of all genders considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities. With this backdrop, the development of a society depends on the skill enhancement of all genders which could enable individuals of society in particular and citizens in general to gain higher self-esteem and facilitate their roles as decision makers in the current society which can march forward towards gender equity.
History says women were treated equally to their male counterparts in terms of status and position throughout the Rig Vedic era. Ancient India had a patriarchal culture; yet, women were nevertheless treated with respect and affection. In lieu of equity, the Vedic women had their own means of support. Several women were educators. Some were earning through skills such as spinning and weaving of clothes at home. Furthermore, women’s equality and empowerment always remained a priority area as they supported their husbands' agricultural endeavours as well. In fact, women were permitted to own up to 2,000 silver panas according to the Arthashastra. It also says that the surplus income was maintained as a trust by the male counterparts; and, surprisingly, the woman's assets would be possessed by the daughter posthumously. So, it is evident that when equality or equity is considered, there is not much of a change from the early to the present era.
Digitalisation of transcend gender: The necessity of including women and other underrepresented groups in technology leads to more inventive solutions and increases the likelihood of breakthroughs that support gender equality and cater to the needs of women. The understanding of women and girls about their rights and civic engagement can be raised by using a gender-responsive approach to innovation, technology and digital education.
Being a woman involves more than only the love, adoration, care, maintenance and so forth that are associated with various life roles such as mother, sister, and wife. In fact, in 21st century, a woman is tech-savvy to operate gadgets for the smooth running of a family or an organisation. Nowadays, a woman has to take numerous Avatars to manage the tasks gracefully with the finite resources and time. When award and recognition posts continue to include the "Top 100 women entrepreneurs," "Top 20 women CEOs," "Women heading the NGOs," “Women at International pageants” and so on, it gives goose bumps to know more and more about such great women. Women are excelling in both recognition and working practices and breaking the pathways of gender bias.
Our Prime Minister Modi enthusiastically supports UN Women's initiative "Planet 50-50 by 2030: Take It Up for Gender Equality", saying, "We cannot attain success if 50% of our people is stuck at home."It is said by Indra Nooyi, “Leadership is hard to define and the good leadership is even harder. But if you can get people to follow you to the ends of the earth, you are a great leader.” It is apt to mention that the world is preferring female candidates whether President, Principal, CEO and so on.
The multitasking women of ancient era have been recognised being a saviour as the Goddess or the mother. In the present virtual era, women have empowered themselves in handling digital media and appliances which also serves as the saviour to the children who are the future of the nation.