AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI suggests ways in which women can have a more conducive environment to work outside their homes
The title suggests that there is some difference between a normal woman and a working woman. We should all be aware of this fact that a soul, which a woman is too, is always active, whether working or not in the context we are trying to understand. A soul is a part of God — a spiritual spark. It is always active by its sheer nature. Yes, when it enters a human body, its activities become restricted. For example, a human being must sleep for a few hours every day on a regular basis. But do not think that a soul is inactive even then; there are so many bodily functions going on, especially in the area of the brain.
Having established the fact that a soul is always active, we should like to know the answers to the following questions vis-à-vis women. By the way, the ultimate test to check whether a person is alive or dead is by seeing if there is any activity whatsoever in the body, be it in the brain or in the heart, etc. As long as there is, it means the soul is still there.
The questions are: Should women work outside their homes, because by the sheer nature of a soul, women or men will always workIJ At what ageIJ And the third question is: When should they work outsideIJ And the last question is: What about working for money or pleasure from homeIJ
Addressing the first question, we have already established that all women are working women. Now the specific question is regarding inside their homes or outside. In this context, I will like the readers to know that a detailed study was made in the US regarding the productivity of housewives. To their amazement, these women were worth a lot, ie if the chores they did in their households were to be done professionally by outsiders, it would have cost a lot of money. Additionally, they provide love, security, companionship, etc to members of the household, which outsiders will be hard pressed to accomplish.
What do the scriptures say about working womenIJ Our scriptures see no difference between a man or a woman; all are souls according to them. The only thing I can find specially about women or girls is their security both inside home and outside. This is the responsibility of male members of the family.
The related question is: Why do women have to work outside if they are so productive in their homesIJ The answer is: In most cases, financial necessity. Yes, it’s a fact of life in this day and age. Then, most women are educated or should be educated. They can and do provide financial security to their families. For some women, it’s a matter of aptitude too. They should work outside with proper precautions.
The next question is what kind of workIJ The answer is simple — whatever they are good at keeping their security in mind. Here a distinction has to be made keeping the age in view. Girls should avoid professions where their personal security is at risk. Women should work when there is necessity either financial or personal. A highly educated woman will definitely want to pursue a career if circumstances permit in which bearing children and their bringing up are crucial. In this context, I believe that all women should have children both to feel the joy of motherhood and ensure their security at a later age. Remember, women/girls are always vulnerable including in the most advanced nations.
lastly, if there is financial necessity and women can work from home, this is great personal security-wise. Otherwise, women, like men, should have full liberty to do what they like and are capable of doing. The only extra consideration in case of women is their personal security. Other than that there should be no discrimination whatsoever.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com