Women in India: A Mute Voice

Women constitute half of humanity and probably the better half. But to our utter dismay it is seen that humanity is depriving itself of a substantial strength from fifty percent of its constituents. It has been the case almost from the beginnings of civilized society that women were cast in specifically discriminatory roles and thus have never been empowered to contribute their best to the advancement of the society. Women have been treated as second rate citizens of all across the globe and the situation is almost the same everywhere-irrespective of the developed country or the developing country, caste, community, colour or creed. And the situation is no different in India. This situation has caused immense loss to their self-dignity as human beings and also their independent entities, associated with men, apart from other matter, in context with intellectual and professional capability. Factors throughout history have forced women to become silent acceptors. The male dominated society makes them feel that they are incompetent, inadequate and worthless. Her training from childhood is groomed for a way of life that is accepted by others. And although today among the educated, liberated urban class there is no stigma attached to divorce or being a spinster and very little discrimination regarding job opportunities, yet the very hardships facing a single unmarried woman or a separated woman is often defeating. Men and Women are just like the two wheels of a chariot. They are equal in importance and they should work together in life. The one is not superior or inferior to other. But it is really unfortunate that, we Indians cannot give our women a safe, civilized home, workplace and society where she can live without any fear and anxiety and dream of realizing her true potential without being unduly discriminated and threatened. Since time immemorial women in India have been carrying out their responsibilities with utmost devotion and dedication and now time has arrived to be aware of their rights so that they attain a venerable and distinguished position in the society.