This year International Women’s Day was a quiet affair, falling as it did on a Sunday. Most institutions observed it a day earlier on March 7 and others on March 6. Many women intellectuals who have gone through their own travails see the observance of this day as sardonic since nothing has changed in their lives and the lives of many other women who don’t come from positions of privilege. So, what do women give and what do they have to gain? Conversely, women have to be given adequate opportunities, equitable access to all resources and their voices must be amplified. Women give enough of themselves to run the home, the family while also attending to their work to bring food to the table. Also, what about the thousands of single-women parents who do not have time to even breathe? Senior journalist Mrinal Pande in a special article in one of the dailies asks very perceptively, “What do women really want?” She found out from her research that most women want “time” just to do their own thing and not be burdened with responsibility after another until they are too fatigued to look after their needs; their health included.
Women have given enough over centuries. Now it’s the state and other institutions that should give women their due share of resources so that society and the economy gains. However, women can do better by building solidarity around issues that affect them. Unless women make themselves heard over the din of politics and other so-called important issues of governance which are all very male-centric they cannot get too far in addressing their issues of better livelihood with wages that will give them a sense of dignity and respect. Think of the ASHA workers who have done much to create awareness on health issues and assisted pregnant women to come in for regular check-ups to take care of their nutritional levels and blood count, considering that nearly 56% of women in Meghalaya are anaemic. ASHA workers are now the supporting pillars of the healthcare system. And they are just one category. Women in self help groups learn the value of co-operation as opposed to working alone.
The Mudra Loan initiated by the Modi Government to enable entrepreneurs to get collateral free loans from banks of up to Rs 10 lakhs has unfortunately benefitted only 14,000 beneficiaries in Meghalaya. Hence much more needs to be done by banks to create awareness so that more women take advantage of this economic opportunity. So far, the repayment for MUDRA loans has been quite successful. It’s true that meaningful change for women can come through a collective contribution of time, resources and mutual support. What women give benefits the entire society and not just the household and it also has a domino effect. All institutions, and governments should design their systems in ways that women are not eliminated at the entry point itself because they have much to gain from women’s participation. Women must also be given respect and recognition for their contribution. That boosts their morale and makes them work harder. When the system gives women fair wages and dignity, they are able to give their best. Hence this system of mutual give and take is what can truly empower women.
