International Women’s Day

MARCH 8, observed as International Women’s Day is a day for reflection and not just perfunctory observances. The United Nations designates certain days to be observed globally because it wants to create awareness on those critical issues. Women have suffered the afflictions of a deeply embedded patriarchal system which has invaded our mind spaces so completely that even women themselves unwittingly act out as agents of patriarchy. In India the conditioning of both the male and female consciousness in patriarchy is so complete that unlearning those and learning new concepts of gender equity and sensitivity will take a very long time. It is easy to discuss gender concerns in academic spaces where peers and colleagues are likely to share similar views but patriarchy and its infringing, and illiberal facets are acted out within the domestic walls and even within so-called enlightened, educated families. The domestic sphere is often the most difficult one to contend with since there are several actors within that sphere whose mindsets need to be converted. Besides behavioral change is a slow process. Very often, the very people who lecture most eloquently on gender equity outside are the worst offenders inside the family. This has a bearing on the younger generation who act out what they see within their homes. In fact, even the way we bring up our children is still very gendered. Girls are warned not to stay out late because it is unsafe for them. But unsafe from whom and for how long do women have to restrict their mobility simple because the male libido is out of control? Every year IWD is observed by way of lectures in seminar halls and academic institutions. A better way is to take the message outside to the real world where women are still treated like commodities. In the villages of this state women continue to be the bearers of children conceived out of lust because they do not yet enjoy reproductive rights. They are not yet empowered to refuse to conceive each time they have sexual intercourse. Use of family planning methods are still taboo in our villages and with shrinking resources, poverty can only be on the upswing. These backwaters are where awareness programmes are most needed and college and university students and faculty ought to be touring the villages from time to time to help create awareness among women about their sexual and reproductive rights. Short of that IWD is just a rigmarole!