A Sanskrit
(a prominent, ancient language) verse states – “Yatra naryastu Pujyante ramante
tatra devatah yatraitaastu na pujyante sarvaastrafalaah kriyaah” :- Divinity rejoices where women are honoured and respected; where they are
not, even sacred acts are fruitless. This verse gives us a glimpse of the
social stature of women in the ancient time that boasts of social equality.
Myriad significant changes suppressed the status
of women across the globe over the centuries. There was an emergence of
patriarchal structure of the society that perpetuated oppression of women,
mainly through sexual violence. “Masculinity” was defined through power,
violence, aggression and dominance whereas “Imposed Femininity” was defined as
weak, inferior, powerless, oppressed, exploited sex who had no choice but to
surrender as a victim or a prey to these male predators. The tyranny continued
in the form of rape, sexual assault, violence, oppression, fear of death,
apprehension of grievous hurt that pushed womanhood into the dark, unbearable
abyss of humiliation and self pity for centuries to come.
An honest,
deep introspection then led women to stand up for their right, their right to
live with dignity, right to breathe freely. A flash! Then was an emergence of a
feminist era that not only revolutionized but refined the status of women.
Women now can walk shoulder to shoulder with men and voice their choices too.
Feminism is a strength that changed the face of victims into survivors and
opened the doors of competitive world for them. Today, women are not mere sex objects;
women are a symbol of power, equality, strength and much more. All that a woman
needs is to be loved, to be heard and to be respected. Simple!
The question
that arises is, are women really safe in this male dominated world? The answer
is yes, provided men use their strength for creating cultures free of violence
and have a positive influence on womanhood.
It is always
said that the apprehension of rape limits the potential of a woman. I believe
that encouragement coupled with support and love can help them expand the
boundaries of their potential and proudly say “I’m worth it”.
