India had been celebrating women since a decade and not just on Women’s day. From Draupadi in Mahabaratha to Jhansi Rani Lakshmi Bai, women are not only celebrated but their contribution to social change had been immense. India is a place where women are worshiped.
But there is a harsh fact that women are being disrespected and harassed on daily basis. Freedom for women still remains restricted. If the restrictions are not followed, women are prone to danger.
‘My father has permitted me to continue my post-graduation, after I promised him that I will get married soon after I complete my post-graduation’ says a college student.
‘My husband permits me to go for a work, as far as I finish all the house hold works before leaving home’ says an IT professional.
‘My brother now allows me to wear a T-Shirt. It was not until he visited the US.’ says a happy girl.
These are the women who are ‘lucky’ to have such ‘broad-minded’ men in their lives. They have been ‘offered’ freedom, to choose what they want to be, with a list of applied ‘terms and conditions’.
Freedom is what a bird enjoys, when it chirrups. It is what a flower enjoys when it blooms, and what an ant enjoys when it tastes a sugar crystal. Human being is the only species on earth that restricts a fellow human being to enjoy freedom.
There are restrictions for a girl from food habits to sleep habits. A girl cannot sleep when she wants to sleep. She cannot laugh louder in front of people. She should not eat more than she is supposed to eat, even if the ‘supposed’ portion of food is not enough for her. This ruthless decree is imposed on women because, women are observed as a material that should fit perfectly in the role that they play.
For instance, a woman is restricted to eat more food, to maintain a good physique so that she will not be rejected in a wedding proposal. The society scrutinizes women in such a way that they are forced to live up to their expectations. This way, women lose their identity. She is a mother, daughter, wife, sister, but never herself.
People around the world are misguided with views about women, especially when it comes to their place and rights in society. It is the 21st century and still it is not even considered if a woman discusses war or politics. Women are judged by their ability to maintain family and not by their responsibility towards the society.
A woman’s need is very easy. It is being able to be what she wants to be- as simple as that! This freedom of expression and basic freedom to do what she wants is restricted because she is considered vulnerable. She is not vulnerable but those who restrict are vulnerable.