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Photo: K.R. Deepak

marching ahead Changing roles of women

The memorable struggle of women working in garment factories in New York, who marched for better work conditions on March 8, was declared as International Women’s Day in 1910 by Clara Zetkin, the German communist leader. Over the years, the Day has sparked off many a heated debate and solemn pledges, aside from the cozy meets at luncheons and the demonstrations on the streets.

The onset of the 21st century saw the myriad changing facets of women and a re-defining of gender roles. What emerged out of these was an assertive, fiercely independent and bold woman who broke the shackles of age-old subjugation and a biased mindset of society. She was no longer the coy, shy, bat-your-eyelids type. But rather, a woman who knew her mind only too well and had the confidence to face the challenges in life.

The roles played historically by men and women are not strictly within their domain anymore and the lines have become blurred.

Women entrepreneurs have exploded many traditional myths like gender discrimination, indecision and habitual inferiority complex vis-À-vis men and braved social taboos against female entrepreneurship. They have erased the gender divide in a challenging sector like entrepreneurship proving that women can stand on their own two-nail-polished feet to establish successful business empires.

Despite all odds? No, they assert. There are no odds, for what really matter are talent, self-confidence, commitment and self-motivation.

“Family support is definitely important. But at the end of the day, your own commitment towards your work is what counts the most,” says Anita Pawar who started her boutique ‘Prapancha’ ten years ago and now is also the regional manager of Lee. Being a woman, though mounts up the responsibilities, she feels, but with a congenial environment at home and at the work front every situation can be tackled with ease.

For every woman who manages to balance a career with a family life, there are several others who have serious self-doubts about whether they’re trying to do the impossible and driving themselves sick. Fortunately, in most modern homes, men are chipping in with the housework, and the children are eager to do their share to ensure that Mom doesn’t have to overwork herself. Behind every successful woman, there’s often a loving family that offers support.

Satya Prema of Do Up beauty clinic, however, feels that an attitudinal shift among women is the need of the hour. “In order to be successful in life, it’s important to shed off inhibitions and mental inertias and dedicate yourself to your work,” she says. Especially in the beauty industry, most women tend to take their profession only as a pastime, she feels. A greater awareness is needed for women to come up and be proud of their achievements. Take any field, only few women are proud, happy and successful in the work they do. Gradually though women are beginning to get more and even equal opportunities and their work is being credited and appreciated, she adds.

When Ganga Raj started off with her fitness studio ‘Vyayaam’ a few years ago, there were apprehensions about many things. But a passion for work and a thorough understanding of the mechanics of the health industry helped her achieve many milestones in life and become one of the successful women entrepreneurs in the city. “Liberation or freedom is not something that the society or men are going to gift to a women. Women must break free from the shackles of mental conditionings. The passion and conviction to do something in life are the main motivators in life,” she says.

Has a change really seeped into the society in all sections and classes? “No doubt women are enjoying greater freedom and independence, but most of it still remains at the superficial level. Even in a progressive world, the incidences of domestic violence and dowry harassment cases are on the rise. When it comes to women, the gender bias exists right from the cradle itself,” says M. Subha, principal of Pydah Women’s College.

It is a world that is comfortable in its hypocrisies, sweeping all uncomfortable questions under the carpet of so-called traditions. And torn between the oscillating definitions of the modern and the traditional, the lady continues to live the life etched out for her by the society even as she is projected to be the ‘ideal modern woman’.

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