Respecting Women - Why is it important for societies?

I write this article on a simple note. Societies which do not respect their women, will never develop or move forward in any form. In the following analysis, I shall clearly bring out historical and current scenario showing some societies which have developed far faster than others. Today we live in a world which is stricken by violence and violence primarily is targeted against women. This is global phenomenon which is localizing into societies which are slowly indulging into self destruction.

Hindu Societies – Rise, fall and rise…

Hindus were historically very renowned for some of the most influential women and women who spearheaded the society’s main core. Politically, scientifically and socially, women proved themselves in all arenas. Slowly Hindu society fell into a grip of unwanted conservativeness. Right up to late 20th century and even sometimes now, it is still showing up. But surely now, this is dying. Women like Indira Gandhi, Kalpana Chawla and many more have inspired India time and again. Hindu societies are reviving again and women are given back their place in society. The primary reason for free fall of Hindu societies was the dowry system. It has eaten away the basic fabric of Hindu society. Women are seen as objects and not humans. It is highly unlikely in Hindus to think that, because we have several goddesses. Right from the historical times, Hindus have worshipped goddesses and even call this earth as our mother. But women in Hindu societies are still better off when it comes to education and access to facilities. Reason is simple, Hindus are a liberal society. Poverty may drive a family not sending off their girls to schools but it is true for their boys also. So now the phenomenon is seen not as only for girls, which was a problem earlier. Rapid urbanization has led Indian girls into cities and working alongside men. This has its own problems, but it exists in all societies, and Indians are managing it. So the very fabric is being re-established, and the Hindu society is bringing its respect for their women folk back.

Christian – Fall and Rise

I have always appreciated the Christians. They are a progressive society. But it was not always so. At dawn of Christianity, things were not good. Women were persecuted as witches and the society remained backwards for a long period of time. But renaissance changed it all. Protestant thinking helped Christian societies towards prosperity and women were an equal part in it. Now countries like UK, France Germany, USA, Russia and others are considered the most advanced nations. The women have equal rights and have voice in the governance.

Islamic Societies – Divided

One part of Islamic world is progressive and other remains in absolute disarray. Countries like Iraq, Iran and the Turkey have shown how they are liberal. Women have right to vote. Iraq, especially under Saddam was the most advanced. They had girls into schools and every girl was given equal treatment. After the US war on Iraq, probably it will take a little more time for Iraqis to re-gather themselves. Iran is equally liberal, no matter how much west sees it as, but still women have equal rights. Turkey is the most advanced Islamic nation. Economically prosperous and women have respect. But what worries in Islamic world is the hatred against women. Primarily, it has nothing to do with religion. It is a fundamental societal problem. Men have very less respect for women. Counter to it, even in Hindu and Christian societies, women are oppressed. But the democratic views of these societies make sure that oppression comes out in open and the culprits are punished. However, the problem lies in the societies which are unlikely made out of the Wahabis and similar faiths. They are particularly oppressive towards women and publicly endorse such activities.

Why so much talk about women empowerment?

The answer is simple. A woman gives birth to a child. She is the first teacher for the child. She is his/her first mentor. Thus, it is highly important that the woman is empowered, educated and also seen highly in a society. Enabling girls in society ensures that the unwanted elements of societies will not get their recruits from the youth, who will be very much nurtured and brought up by their mothers. If the women are rendered powerless, it pushes the society into chaos. The unwanted elements in society like gangs of criminals, terrorists and rogue politicians find it easy to brainwash these youth. Altogether, they benefit because they get easy recruits. Women are at the center of the family. Actually, in Hindu societies women are considered the family and a family is considered incomplete without a mother. Constant harassment of women in today’s world has ensured that terrorism will never end. I speak rather differently, but I believe if the root cause of this problem is handled now, probably in coming years, terrorism will slowly be routed out.

A simple belief is that if more and more women in backward societies are provided with education, like it is being done in India, the lesser there will be chance of violence in the society. India is looking at golden age now. With 20 years from now, our society will be a shining jewel of secular thinking and democratic way of life through women empowerment.

I shall write more…