Redefining the Essence of Lost Feminism in India

April 28, 2017:

Tracing Feminism from the trail of history

Feminism is a paradoxical ideology misunderstood by more than half of the brilliant minds. By definition "Feminism is the advocacy of women's right on the ground of the equality of sexes". However, the influencers and gatekeepers play their part really well in playing with the embodiment of the word feminism.

Feminism was coined by the French philosopher, Charles Fourier and can be traced back to have appeared in France for the first time.

India is also a Patriarchal society which by definition represents culture in which males as fathers or husbands are assumed to be in charge. This patrilineal system has subsisted for an indefinite period of time in history and now women have been accustomed to the submissive lifestyle.

Lewd Remarks for Feminists

Lately, I have been receiving slanderous remarks for being a Feminist. Latest amongst them was "Did my parents spoon fed me feminism?".

"No. My parents did not raise a feminist. It is the society who did that to me and to every woman who feels the same about it".

Another libellous remark by a man who feels provoked by feminism. "As long as democracy exist feminism thrive. The moment democracy paves the way to dictatorship, feminism will vanish."

"Men ruled at the time of dictatorship and they still continue to rule, however, the only difference is that dictatorship has shifted to patriarchy."

Paradoxical Feminism

Feminism is the half-understood concept in the world. What is wrong in raising voice for your own rights and your community's rights?. As long as men in the society continue to feel offended for a woman taking a stand for herself, nothing can be substituted. On the one side, women try to climb the ladder and rise above the predispositions while on the other side; someone just pulls off the ladder.

As long as men in the society continue to feel offended for a woman taking a stand for herself, nothing can be substituted. On the one side, women try to climb the ladder and rise above the predispositions while on the other side; someone just pulls off the ladder.

Henceforth, I bring forward some points which mistaken as an ideology of Feminism but indeed are fallacious.

Male Bashing

The most obvious connotation by the society about feminism is that it entails 'belittlement of a man'. Often Feminism is condemned by Men saying that it commands belittling of a man.

The advancement of women's rights does not mean a 'belittlement' of men or their rights. Feminism merely seeks to establish the same rights and privileges for women that men have been holding for centuries – the right to walk freely in public spaces, the right over their own bodies and sexualities, the right to pursue their choice of education and career, to name a few examples. Yes, feminism does expose the privileges that men hold that women do not yet have, and uncloaking this privilege might make some men uncomfortable, as privilege is inextricably linked to oppression. Feminism can never be a paradox as long as women continue to remain oppressed by patriarchy – Feminism in India

It is imperative to know that feminism never edifies to hate men. It is the "Misandry" which ingrains prejudice against men and inculcates hatred towards men.

Feminism is bragged by only Females

Another misconception subsists that only women are termed as Feminist, which is not true. Can't men be seen on the same side of the struggle? Of course yes, only on the off chance they choose to stand on the same side.

All feminist are career oriented

Feminist do not slander the housewives or domestic work. It recognises the woman who chooses to stick to household work as much as the woman who chooses career above anything else. It respects each individual's choice regardless of the stereotypical notions.

Feminist condemns Relationships

As Feminism is misinterpreted with misandry, it is obvious to grasp that feminism inculcates a sense of independence in a woman. It should be noted that whether someone believes in relationships or not is completely their choice and not a code of feminism.

Feminism also strives to lessen the problems deep hearted in the society.

What do you think the women of our country still wrestles with?

The women of our country wrestle with multiple issues, which it would be impossible to speak about holistically, given the number of different identities and struggles that the vastness of our country embodies. Women are still being killed for being born, for daring to choose their own partners, for pursuing an education. Violence dogs our footsteps – whether it be sexual violence like street harassment, molestation, and rape, or emotional violence like moral policing, reinforcing regressive stereotypes that demean women and teaching us to be ashamed of everything about our bodies. Our rights to our bodies, and to make free choice are being violated – everyone is constantly telling women what to do. Women from marginalized communities face double marginalization – the oppression comes from multiple sources: their womanhood as well as their caste/class status, their gender identity, their sexual orientation, their disability, etc.- Feminism in India

Marriage

Most women in India are married at an early age of 18 and are deemed to spend a major part of their lives in childbearing and raising children.

Workforce

It is known that females in India have a ten percent higher drop out rate than males. Since unemployment is higher in India, it becomes easy for the employers to alter the law which deals with women. The Indian culture reprimand women who argue with men.

Constitutional Rights

Indian women often do not take complete benefit of their constitutional rights because of the lack of awareness and information available. Women also tend to have poor use of voting rights because they possess low levels of political awareness and sense of political efficacy, neither are they encouraged to become informed about issues.

Female Infanticide

Female Infanticide is the deliberate killing of a female child by feeding poison or other harmful chemicals. The immoral sex selection even before the child is born pushes gender differences.

Dowry System

Dowry in India is another prevalent custom according to which the bride's family gives durable goods, cash to bridegroom's family. Not only this, many times the bride is tormented for dowry and domestically abused.

Literacy

One of the reasons that girls have the lowest share of literacy as against boys is because of the fact that girls are needed to assist in household work. Mothers are illiterate due to which they have to be economically dependent on the man.

Bottom Line

What is the essence of Womanhood?

The essence of womanhood is that there is no essence of womanhood. Feminism has been fighting the reductive stereotypes that are associated with being a woman for decades. It is these stereotypes, like women 'naturally' being more nurturing, emotional, caregiving, etc. that continue to pigeonhole us into certain roles. When women attempt to break out of these roles, they are faced with resistance and violence. Womanhood exists in any form that you can imagine – the only criteria of womanhood is identifying as a woman. The rest is all personal choice and expression – there is no "wrong way" of "being a woman". – Feminism in India

The predicaments are unfathomable to look forward to and wipe each one of them. Nevertheless, these issues are suppressed and are never paid heed.

– by Naina Mishra of Newsgram, Twitter: Nainamishr94