WOMAN IN MAN'S WORLD
Where the women are held in reverence there do God's reside' is an old Sanskrit proverb. You may find similar sayings praising women in different ways. But the reality is that One Indian Woman is
Teased in every 52 minutes
Kidnapped in every 43 minutes
Molested in every 26 minutes
Raped in every 54 minutes
Dies of dowry death in every 2 hours
Killed in every 32 minutes
Before the advent of the Aryans, Indian women enjoyed a noble status. The Aryan culture established a patriarchal social system ordaining the father as the head of the family. Vedas contain numerous prayers for the birth of male children.
This negative attitude towards women was aggravated with the preaching’s of certain religious leaders. Tulsidas legitimized wife beating by saying, " Dhol, ganwar, shudra, nashu, nari - yeh sab hain tadan ke adhikari ". Manu the Hindu lawgiver fixed the inferior status of women. Goddess Sita became the role model for the wives though their husbands were far below the mark of Rama.
With the advent of Muslim rule, the freedom of Indian woman was further curtailed. Their confinement to the four walls of home gave birth to various social evils.
In daily life, women are routinely defined by sex and even if all men are not kidnappers, rapist, batterers and murderers of women but all women are potential victims
DOWRY
Dowry has been defined in Section 2 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 in the following words :
' Dowry ' means any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given either directly or indirectly;
(a) by one party to a marriage to the other party to the marriage; or
(b) by the parents of either party to a marriage or by any other person to either party to the marriage or to any other person, at or before any time after the marriage in connection with the marriage of the said parties but does not include dower or mehr in the case of persons to whom the Muslim Personal Law (Sariat) applies.
There are multifarious ways in which the dowry seekers and givers rationalize their demand and compulsions for giving dowry respectively. Some of these are:
o To maintain the prestige of both the sides.
o To make one's daughter's life comfortable and save her from tortures of her in-laws.
o If an elder sister gets married without dowry, problems crop up in the marriage of the younger sister.
o To compensate on the money spent on the groom's education and upbringing.
o Demanding dowry in son's marriage in order to finance the daughter's marriage.
If dowry is not given, then the bride is mentally and physically harassed. She has to face humiliation, lack of food, burning, poisoning, electric shocks, nagging etc.
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 suggests penalty for giving, taking and demanding dowry. Gandhiji said, " Any young man who makes dowry a condition, dishonours womanhood and discredits his education and country. "
RAPE
Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 has defined rape in the following words:
A man is said to commit "rape" who, except in the case hereinafter excepted, has sexual intercourse with a woman under circumstances falling under any of the six following descriptions:
1. Against her will.
2. Without her consent.
3. With her consent, when her consent has been obtained by putting her or any person in whom she is interested in fear of death or of hurt.
4. With her consent, when, the man knows that he is not her husband, and that her consent is given because she believes that he is another man to whom she is or believes herself to be lawfully married.
5. With her consent, when, at the time of giving such consent, by reason of unsoundness of mind or intoxication or the administration by him personally or through another of any stupefying or unwholesome substance, she is unable to understand the nature and consequences of that to which she gives consent.
6. With or without her consent, when she is under sixteen years of age.
The biological weakness of women makes her an easy prey. She is often a victim of physical violence not only outside her home but also in her home. In our society instead of providing sympathy and reassurance, the rape victim is seen at fault, which leaves her with a sense of guilt and impurity. She is kept isolated from the society. Rape victims often do not lodge a complaint about the occurrences. The reasons being:
o An unmarried girl, if raped, may not get married.
o Afraid to face the people and friends.
o If the girl belongs to some reputed party, then it would tarnish the party's image.
o Law may not give justice.
o A Married woman fears that her husband will leave her.
o Social organizations do not always help just give theoretical advice only.
o Police and doctors are not co-operative or compassionate.
o Her whole family gets isolated from the society.
o Difficulty in getting jobs.
All this makes the rapist stronger. And the girl commits suicide, feels guilty throughout her life, develops mental disorders, maintains a secretive attitude or never marries.
Section 376, 376A, 376B, 376C, 376D of the Indian Penal Code suggest the punishments for rape.
PROSTITUTION
The Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act, amended in 1978 defines prostitution as the act of a female offering her body for promiscuous sexual intercourse for hire whether in money or in kind, and whether offered immediately or otherwise.
Prostitution is the worst evil prevailing. It destroys the life of a female and is a stigma on our society. Call Girls, Dancing girls, Religious prostitutes, Common prostitutes, child prostitutes (girls below the age of 16 years) are the various forms of prostitution. The reasons are:
o Increasing landlessness and pauperization have led many women to migrate to urban areas where they usually become prostitutes to support themselves and their family.
o Pimps look out for destitute who are willing to sell their girls.
o The demand of prostitutes in urban areas is increasing because many men leave their families behind when they migrate to other cities and need a prostitute to satisfy their physical desires.
o Women who are kidnapped, raped, cheated, discarded by the society end up doing prostitution.
o The ambition of a luxurious and glamorous lifestyle end up making girls from respectable families prostitutes.
The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 amended in 1986 by the Central Act no. 44 has provided various acts for upholding the public morality and protecting girls and women who are the victims of the acts of prostitution. Punishments are severe incase of child prostitution. Various other state acts are also in force to curb prostitution.
FAMILY VIOLENCE
It is believed that home is the safest place for a female but most acts of violence are committed in the home itself. At parent's home she is taught all household chores. She cannot step out to make a career without permission. She always has to hide her feelings, likings and needs from the male members, even for small matters.
After marriage her in-laws control her. She is expected to be submissive, good cook, hardworking, obedient and demonstrating selflessness about her possessions. And if she deviates from all this then entire family assume the right to punish her.
Alcoholism, gambling, extra marital relations, property, non-supportive parents, mal-adjustment, enforcing superiority and conservative outlook are the various reasons behind family violence.
The various types of family violence are: Physical violence: beating, burning, no food given, shutting her in a room, forced to eat chili powder; Psychological violence: insult, no communication, threat of murder or second marriage, suspicion about character, made to do complete house work, no contacts with parents; Sexual violence: denial, perversity.
Still most of the cases go unreported because of fear of social stigma, losing family prestige, financial problems, fear of divorce, future of children and apprehension. People from society do not interfere taking it as the personal matter of the family. In most cases in order to justify the wrong act the blame is put on women herself.
Indira Gandhi the first woman Prime Minister observed: " Women's emancipation or equality is a part of our general developmental plans, but, government action can be neither effective nor adequate unless women themselves become more aware of their rights and corresponding responsibilities. "
Law has provided various rights to women to ensure them equality with men. Chapter XX of the Indian Penal code, 1860 relates to the offences dealing with matrimonial cases under Sections (493 to 498A).
PROBLEMS OF WORKING WOMEN
Working women are subject to more exploitative problems and pressures than non-working women.
o Though talented, she is not encouraged.
o The usual remark is that " she'll leave after marriage." As a result, she is not paid attention properly nor taken seriously.
o Late hours of work means risk of some unsafe situations.
o She is expected to complete all her household chores and then go for work.
o Her salary is used for household expenses, while man can spend his income, as he likes.
o She has to cope up with all types of people and tolerate nuisance from her boss and colleagues.
To eliminate discrimination against women in field of employment the law has provided women with various rights
Since ages, man has taken advantage of woman in every possible way. Whether she is educated or not, working or non-working the problems faced by her are more or less equal. Man forgets that he is on this earth because of a woman and his life will be incomplete without a mother, sister or wife.
Our approach to problems of women is sure to change if girls are assured of a good career and bright prospect in life and if we liberate ourselves from the clutches of our traditions and superstitious beliefs. But, unless man changes his attitude toward a woman, complete liberation of woman is not possible in a male dominated society like ours.
Swami Vivekananda said, " That country and that nation which do not respect women have never become great, nor will ever be in future. "
Teased in every 52 minutes
Kidnapped in every 43 minutes
Molested in every 26 minutes
Raped in every 54 minutes
Dies of dowry death in every 2 hours
Killed in every 32 minutes
Before the advent of the Aryans, Indian women enjoyed a noble status. The Aryan culture established a patriarchal social system ordaining the father as the head of the family. Vedas contain numerous prayers for the birth of male children.
This negative attitude towards women was aggravated with the preaching’s of certain religious leaders. Tulsidas legitimized wife beating by saying, " Dhol, ganwar, shudra, nashu, nari - yeh sab hain tadan ke adhikari ". Manu the Hindu lawgiver fixed the inferior status of women. Goddess Sita became the role model for the wives though their husbands were far below the mark of Rama.
With the advent of Muslim rule, the freedom of Indian woman was further curtailed. Their confinement to the four walls of home gave birth to various social evils.
In daily life, women are routinely defined by sex and even if all men are not kidnappers, rapist, batterers and murderers of women but all women are potential victims
DOWRY
Dowry has been defined in Section 2 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 in the following words :
' Dowry ' means any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given either directly or indirectly;
(a) by one party to a marriage to the other party to the marriage; or
(b) by the parents of either party to a marriage or by any other person to either party to the marriage or to any other person, at or before any time after the marriage in connection with the marriage of the said parties but does not include dower or mehr in the case of persons to whom the Muslim Personal Law (Sariat) applies.
There are multifarious ways in which the dowry seekers and givers rationalize their demand and compulsions for giving dowry respectively. Some of these are:
o To maintain the prestige of both the sides.
o To make one's daughter's life comfortable and save her from tortures of her in-laws.
o If an elder sister gets married without dowry, problems crop up in the marriage of the younger sister.
o To compensate on the money spent on the groom's education and upbringing.
o Demanding dowry in son's marriage in order to finance the daughter's marriage.
If dowry is not given, then the bride is mentally and physically harassed. She has to face humiliation, lack of food, burning, poisoning, electric shocks, nagging etc.
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 suggests penalty for giving, taking and demanding dowry. Gandhiji said, " Any young man who makes dowry a condition, dishonours womanhood and discredits his education and country. "
RAPE
Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 has defined rape in the following words:
A man is said to commit "rape" who, except in the case hereinafter excepted, has sexual intercourse with a woman under circumstances falling under any of the six following descriptions:
1. Against her will.
2. Without her consent.
3. With her consent, when her consent has been obtained by putting her or any person in whom she is interested in fear of death or of hurt.
4. With her consent, when, the man knows that he is not her husband, and that her consent is given because she believes that he is another man to whom she is or believes herself to be lawfully married.
5. With her consent, when, at the time of giving such consent, by reason of unsoundness of mind or intoxication or the administration by him personally or through another of any stupefying or unwholesome substance, she is unable to understand the nature and consequences of that to which she gives consent.
6. With or without her consent, when she is under sixteen years of age.
The biological weakness of women makes her an easy prey. She is often a victim of physical violence not only outside her home but also in her home. In our society instead of providing sympathy and reassurance, the rape victim is seen at fault, which leaves her with a sense of guilt and impurity. She is kept isolated from the society. Rape victims often do not lodge a complaint about the occurrences. The reasons being:
o An unmarried girl, if raped, may not get married.
o Afraid to face the people and friends.
o If the girl belongs to some reputed party, then it would tarnish the party's image.
o Law may not give justice.
o A Married woman fears that her husband will leave her.
o Social organizations do not always help just give theoretical advice only.
o Police and doctors are not co-operative or compassionate.
o Her whole family gets isolated from the society.
o Difficulty in getting jobs.
All this makes the rapist stronger. And the girl commits suicide, feels guilty throughout her life, develops mental disorders, maintains a secretive attitude or never marries.
Section 376, 376A, 376B, 376C, 376D of the Indian Penal Code suggest the punishments for rape.
PROSTITUTION
The Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act, amended in 1978 defines prostitution as the act of a female offering her body for promiscuous sexual intercourse for hire whether in money or in kind, and whether offered immediately or otherwise.
Prostitution is the worst evil prevailing. It destroys the life of a female and is a stigma on our society. Call Girls, Dancing girls, Religious prostitutes, Common prostitutes, child prostitutes (girls below the age of 16 years) are the various forms of prostitution. The reasons are:
o Increasing landlessness and pauperization have led many women to migrate to urban areas where they usually become prostitutes to support themselves and their family.
o Pimps look out for destitute who are willing to sell their girls.
o The demand of prostitutes in urban areas is increasing because many men leave their families behind when they migrate to other cities and need a prostitute to satisfy their physical desires.
o Women who are kidnapped, raped, cheated, discarded by the society end up doing prostitution.
o The ambition of a luxurious and glamorous lifestyle end up making girls from respectable families prostitutes.
The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 amended in 1986 by the Central Act no. 44 has provided various acts for upholding the public morality and protecting girls and women who are the victims of the acts of prostitution. Punishments are severe incase of child prostitution. Various other state acts are also in force to curb prostitution.
FAMILY VIOLENCE
It is believed that home is the safest place for a female but most acts of violence are committed in the home itself. At parent's home she is taught all household chores. She cannot step out to make a career without permission. She always has to hide her feelings, likings and needs from the male members, even for small matters.
After marriage her in-laws control her. She is expected to be submissive, good cook, hardworking, obedient and demonstrating selflessness about her possessions. And if she deviates from all this then entire family assume the right to punish her.
Alcoholism, gambling, extra marital relations, property, non-supportive parents, mal-adjustment, enforcing superiority and conservative outlook are the various reasons behind family violence.
The various types of family violence are: Physical violence: beating, burning, no food given, shutting her in a room, forced to eat chili powder; Psychological violence: insult, no communication, threat of murder or second marriage, suspicion about character, made to do complete house work, no contacts with parents; Sexual violence: denial, perversity.
Still most of the cases go unreported because of fear of social stigma, losing family prestige, financial problems, fear of divorce, future of children and apprehension. People from society do not interfere taking it as the personal matter of the family. In most cases in order to justify the wrong act the blame is put on women herself.
Indira Gandhi the first woman Prime Minister observed: " Women's emancipation or equality is a part of our general developmental plans, but, government action can be neither effective nor adequate unless women themselves become more aware of their rights and corresponding responsibilities. "
Law has provided various rights to women to ensure them equality with men. Chapter XX of the Indian Penal code, 1860 relates to the offences dealing with matrimonial cases under Sections (493 to 498A).
PROBLEMS OF WORKING WOMEN
Working women are subject to more exploitative problems and pressures than non-working women.
o Though talented, she is not encouraged.
o The usual remark is that " she'll leave after marriage." As a result, she is not paid attention properly nor taken seriously.
o Late hours of work means risk of some unsafe situations.
o She is expected to complete all her household chores and then go for work.
o Her salary is used for household expenses, while man can spend his income, as he likes.
o She has to cope up with all types of people and tolerate nuisance from her boss and colleagues.
To eliminate discrimination against women in field of employment the law has provided women with various rights
Since ages, man has taken advantage of woman in every possible way. Whether she is educated or not, working or non-working the problems faced by her are more or less equal. Man forgets that he is on this earth because of a woman and his life will be incomplete without a mother, sister or wife.
Our approach to problems of women is sure to change if girls are assured of a good career and bright prospect in life and if we liberate ourselves from the clutches of our traditions and superstitious beliefs. But, unless man changes his attitude toward a woman, complete liberation of woman is not possible in a male dominated society like ours.
Swami Vivekananda said, " That country and that nation which do not respect women have never become great, nor will ever be in future. "
5 Comments:
At August 29, 2004 at 11:42:00 AM GMT+5:30,
Jyoti Bothra said…
Our society outlook too has to change. Apart from all you have mentioned we all have to stand up and fight against such injustice. Thank you so much for ur comment. Keep visiting.
At August 30, 2004 at 2:13:00 PM GMT+5:30,
Vallabhi Shegaonkar said…
hey Jyothi, great articles ....thanks a lot, my GK is improvin'a lot these days.. hehe :))
At October 23, 2004 at 11:28:00 PM GMT+5:30,
Anonymous said…
HELPLINE FOR BATTERED MEN IN BANGALORE !!
Since last one year, there is a Helpline (91-80-56969850) in Bangalore for distressed men and their family members. It receives about 20 calls in a week from the men who are distressed due to harassment by the wife or her parents. The callers include many techies working in reputed firms and NRIs(Nonresident Indians/Indians living outside india). As soon as someone calls the helpline, his complaint is heard and he is called for a face-to-face discussion during which a lawyer and a counsellor are present.
The NGO(non-Government Organisation) called Sangyabalya and the helpline were launched by H V Arun Murthy, a freelance writer originally from Bangalore, who was living happily in Delhi until he was summoned by a court as an accused in a dowry case filed by his sister-in-law. Murthy says his brother married a girl from an orphanage. The marriage went bad very fast and has now ended in a dowry harassment complaint that put Murthy, his brother, and some other family members in jail for a short period.
"Who could have paid dowry for that girl? The orphanage authorities?" demands an angry, white-haired, single Murthy.
"The courts are always sympathetic to women," he told rediff.com "Even our laws do not recognise the possibility of wives and daughters-in-laws ill-treating husbands and old in-laws. I know of so many cases where section 498-A [of the Indian Penal Code] has just been used as an instrument of blackmail. But public sympathy is all for the perpetrators of the crime. More than 90 per cent of dowry cases filed are dismissed. But no punitive action is taken against the women who file the cases, even though it is sometimes proved that they lied under oath."
Under the Indian Penal Code of 498a, the police only require one line in writing from a woman, that her husband/his parents/his brothers/sisters are harassing her physically or mentally with demands of dowry. It is as easy as ordering a Pizza. The Police are bound to act by arresting all the accused (including mothers, unmarried sisters) with immediate effect without investigation, send them to Judicial Custody (prison) . This has led to a growing trend of women and her dominant parents harassing the husband and her family and then threatening them of the false complaints in case they resist. So the poor guy and his family tolerate fearing the worst. As this continues, the demands start increasing finally leading to situation when the battered husband and his family could no longer tolerate and they stand up. Then the woman goes for the final kill by filing the case. The imprisoned husband and his family can’t get bail for at least 2 days. If the girl’s family has good connections in corrupt indiansystem then the stay in prison can continue for even a month. Often, huge amounts of money is demanded from the guy and his parents for out of court settlements. Many Techies and NRIs in a state of continuous, iterative victimization and defamation, simply comply.
Sangyabalya can be contacted at 91-80-56969850. Their email address is victimsof498a@rediffmail.com.
Visit www.sangyabalya.org
For more details visit the following link and also view the full message board. http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/dec/24spec.htm
Other articles:
www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jun16/c3.asp http://www.hallabol.com/portal/article4.html
http://news.indiainfo.com/publicopinion/dowry.html
http://www.umiacs.umd.edu/users/sawweb/sawnet/news/news408.txt
there is also yagoogroup: misusedowryact
_________________________________________________________
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/6708/sowryhar.html
At October 25, 2004 at 11:52:00 PM GMT+5:30,
Jyoti Bothra said…
There are various problems in our society. This article focuses on women problems that are prevalent since ages. The intention is not to offend all men but to provide information. Only those figures are mentioned that are related to the article. The 'quoted words' are for those men who have been exploiting women and not all in general.
At October 31, 2004 at 11:08:00 PM GMT+5:30,
Jyoti Bothra said…
Its a story of exploitation by a woman on a woman. This is another prevalent dimension. Thanks for sharing it. Do keep writing your views.
Post a Comment
<< Home