The color, symbolizes the sun, the eternal source of energy. It spreads warmth, optimism, enlightenment. It is the liturgical color of deity Saraswati - the goddess of knowledge.
The shape, neither a perfect circle nor a perfect square, gives freedom from any fixed pattern of thoughts just like the mind and creativity of a child. It reflects eternal whole, infinity, unity, integrity & harmony.
The ' child' within, reflects our child centric philosophy; the universal expression to evolve and expand but keeping a child’s interests and wellbeing at the central place.
The name, "Maa Sharda;" is a mother with divinity, simplicity, purity, enlightenment and healing touch, accommodating all her children indifferently. This venture itself is an offering to her........
An article published in IMAX – monthly journal of IMA Rajkot; 2016 and Dr. Neema has delivered guest lecture on same subject at various forums.
Swami Vivekananda, one of the greatest sons of India, quoted that, “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing. ”
Now a day the term Women Empowerment has become a stunt or a melodrama. Does it matter much whether women are allowed entry into Sabarimala Temple or are allowed to offer worship at the Shani Temple? Isn’t this fight for feminism a superficial one? Don’t women require equality of status in more sensitive issues? Are the flag bearers of the so called feminist movement themselves aware of the real meaning of women empowerment? Let us get a better insight into women empowerment.
Common misconcepts
Women empowerment is not the freedom of actions, not the boldness to do what men are doing, or rebellion against the biological role and responsibilities of a woman. It does not mean a carefree and arrogant lifestyle.
It is thriving for equal opportunities and parity on humanitarian, social, educational, economical, legal and political grounds and challenging the patriarchal bias.”
What is empowerment?
It means to give, to acquire or to increase strength. The term empowerment exists only because there is some discrepancy in the powers shared by man and women. Or we can say that there is Gender Discrimination in our society. To understand this we need to differentiate the terms ‘Sex’ and ‘Gender’
“Sex” v/s “Gender”
The sex we are assigned at birth is due to biological and physical characteristics. It is Universal. Neither you nor me were given a choice whether to be born as a man or a woman. It is purely a nature’s choice by default. The sex roles that a father impregnates and the mother gives birth cannot be changed or challenged.
Whereas the term Gender; is a social, cultural or religious phenomenon. Some tasks like cooking, cleaning of house, caring for family are considered Feminine whereas some professions like business, driving are considered masculine tasks. Though this distribution of tasks stands on a logical background, they can be changed and challenged from time to time and region to region.
Gender equality means equality in the Gender roles. If a women needs to go out to earn, the men in the house is obliged to give equal contribution in household chores.
Real concept of women empowerment
Why does the supreme divinity- the Adhyashakti need empowerment??
Every woman is born with equal rights; the need is to execute them assertively. Each woman is a born leader provided the power is channelized properly.
Real women empowerment is a journey from pity to pride and from disparity to parity. It is a question raised against the strong patriarchal system prevailing in our society;
Status of women in Indian Society
Status of women in World
Dimensions of women empowerment
We need to work on multiple aspects to bring up the status of women in society.
1) Humanitarian women empowerment
People should realize that each woman is a being with senses, her own imaginations and thoughts. She should be able to express them as freely as her male counterpart and gain self-confidence to articulate and assert power to negotiate and decide.
2) Social Women Empowerment
Gender equality implies a society in which women and men enjoy the same opportunities, outcomes, rights and obligations in all spheres of life.
3) Educational Women Empowerment
All girls should have equal opportunities to learn and qualify as the boys. They should be provided equal platform to participate fully in the developmental process of self, family, society or country. They should be made aware of their rights and develop a confidence to claim them.
4) Economical and Occupational empowerment
Women should get better quality of material life through sustainable livelihoods owned and managed by women. Efforts should be made to reduce their financial dependence on their male counterparts by making them a significant part of human resource.
5) Legal Women Empowerment
Provision of an effective legal structure which is supportive of women empowerment is not sufficient but there is a strong need to address the gaps between what the law prescribes and what actually occurs.
6) Political Women Empowerment
Existence of a political system favoring women participation is not only sufficient but there is also a need of women’s control on the political decision-making process and in governance.
Journey towards empowerment
1) Role of women in women empowerment
Woman need to hold hand of another woman to raise her. She should appreciate participation of man to whatever extent in the household help. Rising the new generation without bias is one big thing that can make a difference over years. Women should learn to care herself, take time for personal development and come out from self-pity.
2) Role of men
Every man should himself respect female and teach son to respect and help daughter from childhood. He should role model himself and be a life partner to women in all aspects.
3) Awareness to Adolescents
Family life education to adolescents so that they enter adulthood with good life skills and respect of both sexuality
4) Media Involvement
Actions need to be taken towards censoring the wrong image of women published in films and advertisements. A wide campaign on Medias publicizing a dignified image of women can bring about a revolution.
Real empowerment would exist the day when every woman feels that being women is a blessing. There is equal participation of women in all aspects without reservations and the column for gender is eradicated. True empowerment will come the day when people will stop asking- “Girl or Boy”
Dr. Neema Sitapara
MD (Ped), PG Dip. (Adolescent Pediatrics)