Author: Amrita Mallik
There’s nothing so special about Women’s Day. Unless and until women become their own best friends, womanhood will forever be twisted and torturous.
Yes, women continue to be women’s worst enemies. They have internalised patriarchal dictates and societal norms to such an extent, that they are unable to recognise that they are repeating the same injustice they have suffered from. To maintain their delicate foothold on authority they will do whatever
it takes to retain their power.
Some lethal violence against each other where women have taken the centre stage include communal riots, bride burning, female genital mutilation. They have met fatal consequences. Moreover, from an early age, girls are taught to hate their bodies. They are scrutinised more than boys. As a result, they ‘mature’ faster than boys.
In fact, this is celebrated so much that even today TV serials and films harp on a negative woman against a woman. Be it NH10 where a mother kills her daughter, or our very own sweet fairies in daily soaps are always attacked by polished and conniving women.
I am appalled by a recent promo of a Bengali serial. Marriage offers the best solution to rescue a girl from the terrorists! And, this concept is the brain child of a woman. In fact, everywhere it is the ultimate solution. Whether for a spoilt rich boy or a girl, wedding gives them the perfect bliss. Besides, harping on
simple and traditional saree or salwar kameez as marks of a ‘good girl’ while modern dresses and business mindset for a vamp is still applicable.
And so, the violence against women do not seem to stop. The crimes against women are most often framed and allowed by women of the house. Surprisingly, some of these women are decently educated to know the difference between a human being and a heartless perpetrator. They ignore the emotional
tangles wreaking havoc on the overall health and the quality of lives.
Hence raising the voice for empowerment of girls and women is meaningless. Indeed, there are several other factors that are turning women against each other, like decline in access to common land owing to colonisation and decline of traditional handicrafts. But that doesn’t mean that women should
themselves destroy their own clan.
Therefore, celebration of woman’s Day, is another advertising gimmick. It is another patriarchal trap through discounts, offers, spa, dresses, and what not. Do women require material luxuries and comfort more than their identities and emancipation? No!
Please, dear women, don’t fall into the lure. Free yourself from bargaining with patriarchy. Instead, lend a hand to another woman, and make her day.
