Essay on Status of Women in India
Though Hindu theology books have praised women very much and women were given the status of a goddess, it was only in the books. In practice the picture was totally opposite.
Manu, the established philosopher in the ancient period has mentioned in his book, 'Manustruti' many clauses which are insulting to women. Indian society is male-dominant. Males became masters and they treated females like slaves.
Women were not allowed to go to school, they were supposed to avoid mixing with the society. Their activity was restricted to home only and they were looked upon. as a machine to produce progeny. This continued for thousands of years.
Since couple of centuries changes started occurring. Some social reformers agitated against this injustice. Mahatma Phule, Mahatma Shinde, Savitribai Phule, Maharshi Karve, Agarkar were in the fore front to uplift the status of the women in India.
Slowly the situation went on improving. Social reformers were successful for changing the views of the males. Girls started going to school. Co-education was accepted by the society. Girls showed their merits in different fields like education, games, arts, management etc.
Sometimes they superseded male competitors. This situation was a eye opener for the society. Now women get an equal chance and share in all the fields.
As a result women like Indira Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, Madam Kama, Kiran Bedi, Mayawati, Jailalita, Mrs. Pratibha Patil and so many others have held or still hold highest posts in their respective offices. Women are holding good posts in banks, corporate offices, educational institute, IT field, etc. Woman should be given equal status according to the constitution.
Women are much aware about their rights. They now dare to oppose any kind of social injustice. Even then this is one side of the picture. In villages, poor families, depressed classes, in muslim communities the picture is not very encouraging.
Their life is still what it was hundred years earlier. Women are considered physically weak than men. There has not been any fundamental change in the attitude of men. This results in rapes, sexual abuses, harassment, forced prostitution, bride burning and dowry deaths.
Incidences of female infanticide and foeticide is on increase. This is dark side of the coin. But let us hope the situation will change and 50% part of the society will have a better future.