Gender inequality is an issue that has plagued our society for years. Even today, it is still a major problem as domestic violence, rape, assault and abuse towards women are widespread. Statistics are evidence to the fact that many women are abused and are made to feel that they are responsible for what they face. Insensitive comments are made when talking about such instances.
While men can enjoy freedom of dress and can behave as they wish, a woman’s freedom is constricted. However, a woman is in no way responsible for the abuse she faces at the hands of men. A woman should have the freedom of dress. Dressing in revealing clothes does not mean that she invites men to abuse her or in any way harm her dignity. Statistics also clearly state that a woman who dresses conservatively is not risk-free and cannot completely prevent rape or any form of violence towards her. People blame the woman for incidents like these and a woman has to live with the stigma and trauma of the tragic incident.
What about the men who commit these offences? Society has made men feel like they are entitled to dominate women. The society needs to change this view and inculcate respect for women. Men should be taught how to respect the women in their homes as well as outside. They should learn to give women the high respect that they deserve. Stricter laws must be enforced for the punishment of the men who violate a woman’s honour. The time has come for each girl and woman to be able to live without the fear of an incident happening to them. In each household, there is a mother, a sister, a wife, a daughter and they must all be respected. A woman is a source of creation and she must be treated as a goddess, not a toy. The society’s uplifting and downfall all depend on how women of the society are treated. A society that does not treat women with respect and dignity can never prosper. The time has come for this society to learn to respect women and if necessary, aid in protecting her dignity and honour.
Kalyaani V. Persad
Swaha Sri Raam Dhaam
Pandita Indrani
Namaste. I welcome this article by fresh voices. I believe that women AND men need to dress with modesty out of respect for their own bodies that are vehicles of Divinity. The near nakedness of women, in particular, today is disturbing because it sends wrong messages. We dress to impress the other, most times, and body language, like dress, sends messages. Long ago when our mothers had low necklines that showed cleavages out of the necessity of breast feeding, no one noticed. Today, the same women wearing the same style would invite some reaction from the male eyes, I aver. She is no longer draping an orhini over her breast and is openly showing off cleavage that is not due to necessity. So I ask the question – what is good Hindu dress for men AND women. Have modesty in dress and modesty in conduct – hallmarks of the Hindu of yesterday – gone out the window as we fully embrace western standards in dress and conduct? Is there a need for Hindu to revise their dress and conduct in alignment with their beliefs about the body, material world and Consciousness? I am just asking – not prescribing.