Reality Check
Every year, on March 8, the world observes International Women's Day to celebrate the achievements of women in various fields, as well as to evoke the collective responsibility of addressing issues that are barring women from progression.
- Every year, on March 8, the world observes International
Women's Day to celebrate the achievements of women in various fields, as well
as to evoke the collective responsibility of addressing issues that are barring
women from progression. During this occasion, it is also not uncommon to see
politicians and public leaders trying to portray themselves as champions of
women’s cause, while activists and feminists lament the lack of political will
to ensure gender equality and the apathy of those in the position to bring
about change. The fact is that the gender gap is narrowing but at a snail’s
pace. Going by the current rate of progress, as indicated in the World Economic
Forum's Global Gender Gap Index, it will take decades to achieve gender parity
as gender-based crimes and discrimination continue unabated. As per the WHO,
nearly one third of women were subjected to physical and sexual violence
globally (based on analysis of data from 2000 to 2018). As for India, crimes
against women have increased over the years, which is a cause for worry. The
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report has revealed that 2022 saw an
increase of such cases by 4 per cent over the previous year. This is a matter
of grave concern.
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- The brutal rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical
College and Hospital in Kolkata last year, and the recent assault on a female
nursing student at District Hospital Dimapur do not speak well of gender
equality and safety of women in India. Sadly, gender inequality is deeply
ingrained in our societal structures and practices, so profound that women
continue to face discrimination and are deprived of equal opportunities,
leading to gaps in various aspects, including economic, social and political.
In the context of the Naga society, the existing gender-based discriminatory
social practices related to inheritance, alimony, custody of children, etc.,
hinder women’s growth and equality. We have started talking about the need to
shed patriarchal mindset, which is encouraging, but not willing to take the plunge
yet. While talks won’t change anything on the ground, action will. This year’s
International Women's Day theme -- For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality.
Empowerment – also calls for action to forge gender parity and empower them
politically, socially and economically. This is imperative to build an
inclusive society free of stereotypes and discrimination based on gender, creed
and colour.
