A Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha few years back which entitled women to 33% reservation in the Lok Sabha. But reservation of seats for women at this dawn of the 21st century speaks volumes about the position of women in our country. But why do we blame our country only- it’s the same everywhere in this world.
A lot has been said about the progress of women- but whom are we trying to fool? When we speak of women reservations at this juncture it clearly shows that all we are pursuing is nothing but a hollow dream! The truth is that it’s been a few exceptions that we keep on citing as the progress of the fairer sex. However, a holistic stride still eludes us.
Let me now cite some examples to clarify what exactly I am trying to convey. We keep on repeating that women have made a great leap in the world of sports. It’s true that there's a lot of opportunity for the weaker sex if they want, but has anyone ever thought of the indifference that is shown when it comes to remunerations. A female Tennis player gets almost half the amount that her counterpart gets. Same is the case in all other versions of sports. And we still say that women are progressing!
When I've taken up the issue of remuneration then I feel free to convey that in Hollywood female actors get a huge margin of less payment than their male counterparts. If such is the case with the 'most civilized' cult of the human race then what more do I need to say. Women take part in all the beauty contests like Miss Universe and Miss World, but does anyone care to bother about the fact that these contests are never organized by the women fraternity themselves. Moreover, why don't we see women leaders of nations often? And when we do see one, why are we surprised? It's a fact that women fear the dirt of politics. The world has seen Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi and alike but then again these are the exceptions!
There is a common notion among all that women excel in cultural activities like art and dance. But I would rather say that though women engage themselves in these cultural activities, the zenith is occupied by their counterparts. When we talk about art everyone would talk about Da Vinci, Michelangelo and in present day M.F.Hussain. Similarly, when we talk about breakthrough in the field of dance in India everyone speaks of Uday Shankar.
No matter what anyone says, it's a very sorry plight at least for me! With cases of rape, female infanticide, bride burning, molestations, eve teasing increasing exponentially all over the world, I don't see progress for women for even the next century. And with exploitation of one half of the society I see nothing but darkness gripping the human race. However, I still have hope on humanity. I still feel that if everyone widens their outlook, this world will be a much better place to live. But, for now if you ask me I'd say that It's a Cruel World! It's a Man's World!!!
