“राष्ट्रस्य श्व: नारी अस्ति
नारी राष्ट्रस्य अक्शि अस्ति
नारी माता अस्ति
नारी कन्या अस्ति
नारी भगिनी अस्ति I”
The above shloka in Sanskrit defines the position of women in ancient Indian society. It says, “Woman is our tomorrow, woman is the eye of the nation, woman is a mother, woman is a daughter, a woman is everything.”
Our Vedic age ancestors have always respected women and the role they have played in shaping society. It is said that a Sanyasi or an Ascetic is not allowed to bow down or touch the feet of any “purvashrama” family member, except his mother. He cannot touch even his father’s feet. This is the pinnacle of respect Indian civilisation gives to women.
A woman’s role in empowering our future is known to all. However, society needs to play a greater role to empower women. Women Empowerment simply means involving them in important decision making and not ignoring their importance. Many women are put down every day because of what they wear or do. Their participation in crucial matters is denied. They need to be allowed to live a life of their choice, free from all barriers because empowerment in its true essence means freedom.
The position of women in Indian society had started declining from around 200BC. They were denied certain rights, privileges were taken away from them, and the very same woman who used to accompany her husband for the religious ceremonies was now confined indoors.
Slowly time passed and their position declined even further. A girl child was considered a burden. They were abandoned at the time of birth. Sons were considered the future of any family. They were considered the earning members. But, what about the mother who gave birth to them. They were neglected.
As time passed, many dynasties conquered India. Their ideologies were different. Their style of governance was different. But, most had one similarity. They all discriminated against women. There were a few rulers who stood out as exceptions and tried to uplift a woman’s position. But a war cannot be won with just a single soldier. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for example is very famous for the punishment he gave for rape. The accused’s eyes were blind folded, his limbs were cut, he was kept in a stingy place where people could spit on his face. This is though very aggressive but the very punishment needed to make any man think twice before becoming a rapist.
Cases of women exploitation slowly increased. Then came the British Rule in India. The country saw a new spirit. After a hundred years of enslavement, people revolted. The Queen of Jhansi was the leader of the revolts in her Kingdom and also one of the few people who planned it all. Though she was killed by the British, she set an example and inspired women for generations to come.
Soon the country saw women taking an active part in the Indian Freedom Movement. The Assertive Nationalists encouraged their involvement. Several leaders like B.C. Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, M.K. Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore etc highlighted the importance of women through their words and speeches. Sarojini Naidu, the very famous poet and Freedom Fighter impressed all by her work. Her poem, “The Bangle Sellers” aptly describes a woman’s life in that generation.
After independence and partition crimes against women increased mainly in the northern regions. There were new leaders who took over soon after. New laws were made. Promises were made. Yes, the situation did improve but not the kind that was needed. Women even today are scared to go out late at night. Even today they hesitate to wear the dress that they like. Even today a girl child is considered a burden in certain areas.
This attitude of people needs to change. Women are the ones who nurture the society. If women are not respected, how will society move forward? After all, the Goddess of knowledge, Sarasvati is a woman. The goddess of knowledge, Laxmi is a woman. We need to empower them in every way possible. Stop differentiating and start accepting. Involve them in every field and see how they make it reach new heights. Make them know that their voices when raised can change this male dominant world. There is no force equal to a woman determined to rise. A woman is a full circle within which the power to create, nurture and transform lies.
Finally, “Being a woman should be a supreme achievement and not the deepest fear. Celebrate womanhood, fuel them with self-confidence and let that fuel empower them to soar towards their dreams.”
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