Assert yourself

Saw a movie yesterday where like a typical 60s movie, the woman is insulted, derided by her husband and children and she still loves them all. She has no identity till her grandson comes and wants to makes her into a famous model. The family balks at the idea. But she musters up her courage and signs the offer.

Guess what? All hell breaks loose. The same family that accused her of pushing food on them now accuse of not cooking for the family. Her husband, who till now boasted of treating her like a foot mat, now can not tolerate that she is a role model to women of her age. Any way, like most Indian movies, this too ended where everyone realizes their mistakes and she forgives them all.

But was it because of her good intentions? Or was it because she finally asserted herself and showed that she was a person in her own right and not just a glorified maid. Don’t we all know one such story? Very often in our family or friend circle?

Women have come a long way but have they? We still do most chores in the house, still are responsible for the children’s homework, for their various classes because the father is busy earning ‘for the family’. As if, a woman’s job is not worthwhile. In India, apart from the cosmopolitan cities, women are still told what to wear, where to go and by what time to come back.

Yes, women are the backbone of any society and yes, they have to set examples of behaviour so there is some system but shouldn’t that backbone be recognized for its worth? Shouldn’t women be shown some respect by men? Equality is not that the woman can go out and earn. Equality is when the woman is respected for her contribution in the family even when she is a homemaker. If you were to buy all the services that she provides, you wont be able to afford her. So think, and next time you shout at the woman of your home, remember her role. She will be happy and so shall you be.

So be it!!!