Women deserve new narratives
Published: 04:03 PM,Mar 06,2024 | EDITED : 08:03 PM,Mar 06,2024
International Women’s Day is approaching with much marketing hype about love, dinner celebrations, and expensive gifts. Women deserve all this and more.
Not many decades ago, women had a legal obligation to obey their husbands, fathers, or brothers. In some countries, they remain subordinate to their male relatives. It was only after the 1960s. that women were permitted to open bank accounts or sign contracts.
They endured a long journey to be allowed to study, work, play sports, enter politics, drive, or go to space. Employers are no longer allowed to fire pregnant women; divorce laws have been liberalised, though some countries still do not allow women to initiate divorce; and the narrative on fertility treatment, which is taboo in many societies, has begun to shift.
Though the political, social, and economic roles of women have been changing gradually, the deep-rooted discourse about youth and physically and mentally blossoming women still persists. It is critical to look into the past. Nothing has been given by the gods. Nevertheless, it has been a remarkable step-by-step emancipation. These were snail-paced advancements that have empowered women in the 21st century. Progress is a slow process, and our realities have been shaped by women who came before us.
Still, in several places or circumstances, women are allowed only within the boundaries established by their male partners, male colleagues, working environment, or brothers. Societal norms and gender discrimination can limit what women can do. It appears that there is a constant power struggle between the genders. Male-dominated society typically decides what is acceptable to women. Also, depending on the political or social context, women’s rights or choices may be taken away or simply ignored.
It is a daunting reality that often, the lives of women differ based on colour, race, class, clan, or geographic area. With that, there are male dominant groups that set stereotypes for women and believe they are entitled to apply their prejudice against women wherever they migrate, regardless of race or background. This seems to be the rationale behind the 2024 International Women’s Day theme, “Inspire Inclusion.”
Today’s women are better educated, yet there are still significant educational disparities between socioeconomic and racial groups. In many corners around the globe, women are becoming stronger and more vocal, but let’s not be foolish; there are women, even educated ones, who would rather enjoy the benefits than contribute. We are invited to, and we should recognise the scale of the rights and opportunities available to us, not just take advantage of or merely appreciate them.
The current social context for women revolves around a string of issues, including new dating dynamics, reproductive rights, singlehood, cyberbullying, career growth, worthiness, and so on. Modern women are choosing what they want to become; sometimes, they are victimised because of their choices. Skills and abilities know no gender, and that is how it should be.
This reflection on women’s emancipation, combined with the International Women’s Day celebrations, is an opportunity to think critically about why we wanted and still want changes, how changes can be achieved, and how the changes can benefit women in future generations.
The celebrations should not be about tapping on the shoulders of a few women to express how great, smart, or empowered they are. Or clapping in gratitude for a few men who have consented to some positive laws for women’s progress. There could be a reason for their agreement. We can look at the claims through factual or critical lenses.
Modern women deserve new narratives. The re-evaluation of women’s role in society, their status, and their leadership potential is essential. The new issues they face deserve to be considered in both the present and future contexts.
Flowers, gifts, and special greetings are welcome, regardless of the occasion.
Not many decades ago, women had a legal obligation to obey their husbands, fathers, or brothers. In some countries, they remain subordinate to their male relatives. It was only after the 1960s. that women were permitted to open bank accounts or sign contracts.
They endured a long journey to be allowed to study, work, play sports, enter politics, drive, or go to space. Employers are no longer allowed to fire pregnant women; divorce laws have been liberalised, though some countries still do not allow women to initiate divorce; and the narrative on fertility treatment, which is taboo in many societies, has begun to shift.
Though the political, social, and economic roles of women have been changing gradually, the deep-rooted discourse about youth and physically and mentally blossoming women still persists. It is critical to look into the past. Nothing has been given by the gods. Nevertheless, it has been a remarkable step-by-step emancipation. These were snail-paced advancements that have empowered women in the 21st century. Progress is a slow process, and our realities have been shaped by women who came before us.
Still, in several places or circumstances, women are allowed only within the boundaries established by their male partners, male colleagues, working environment, or brothers. Societal norms and gender discrimination can limit what women can do. It appears that there is a constant power struggle between the genders. Male-dominated society typically decides what is acceptable to women. Also, depending on the political or social context, women’s rights or choices may be taken away or simply ignored.
It is a daunting reality that often, the lives of women differ based on colour, race, class, clan, or geographic area. With that, there are male dominant groups that set stereotypes for women and believe they are entitled to apply their prejudice against women wherever they migrate, regardless of race or background. This seems to be the rationale behind the 2024 International Women’s Day theme, “Inspire Inclusion.”
Today’s women are better educated, yet there are still significant educational disparities between socioeconomic and racial groups. In many corners around the globe, women are becoming stronger and more vocal, but let’s not be foolish; there are women, even educated ones, who would rather enjoy the benefits than contribute. We are invited to, and we should recognise the scale of the rights and opportunities available to us, not just take advantage of or merely appreciate them.
The current social context for women revolves around a string of issues, including new dating dynamics, reproductive rights, singlehood, cyberbullying, career growth, worthiness, and so on. Modern women are choosing what they want to become; sometimes, they are victimised because of their choices. Skills and abilities know no gender, and that is how it should be.
This reflection on women’s emancipation, combined with the International Women’s Day celebrations, is an opportunity to think critically about why we wanted and still want changes, how changes can be achieved, and how the changes can benefit women in future generations.
The celebrations should not be about tapping on the shoulders of a few women to express how great, smart, or empowered they are. Or clapping in gratitude for a few men who have consented to some positive laws for women’s progress. There could be a reason for their agreement. We can look at the claims through factual or critical lenses.
Modern women deserve new narratives. The re-evaluation of women’s role in society, their status, and their leadership potential is essential. The new issues they face deserve to be considered in both the present and future contexts.
Flowers, gifts, and special greetings are welcome, regardless of the occasion.