I want every woman to know that her voice can change the world
Gender roles have developed over centuries. We are often unaware that we are facing gender inequality as it has been normalized by our society and culture.
The following are the statements of five men that I have come across.
Subject 1- “I let her go to work. After all, she has got much more freedom to dress, eat, and move around than my mother ever got.”
Subject 2- “My father had told me before passing away that everything he owns belongs to his son -that is me. Only greedy sisters ask for their share.”
Subject 3- “My wife is working. I understand that she gets tired when she comes home but it is her job to prepare food and look after the children.”
Subject 4- “My wife does not earn. I am the Provider. She should keep my Preferences first and take care of my needs before hers.”
Subject 5- “My daughter-in-law is irresponsible and worthless. She does not even know how to cook proper food and take care of the family.”
Firstly, let us take a moment to notice- How we feel after reading these statements?
Are we feeling down or have we become so used to statements like this that we feel it is just day to day life. We may think -What is so new about such statements? We have heard many men speak like this before.
Even if there is a nagging sense that something is not right about these statements- THERE IS HOPE. Please feel free to comment on how such statements have to be dealt with.
What do statistics say?
1. Gender inequality is WORST in South Asia (India) just after Africa.
2. Depression is TWICE as common in women than in men.
3. India ranks FOURTH LOWEST amongst 144 countries in health and survival parameters for females.
SOCIAL RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH PREVALENCE OF MENTAL ILLNESS IN WOMEN
1. Lower Social Status for women–
We tend to view men as wage earners and women as homemakers. Men have visible income whereas women’s task of taking care of the household is considered menial.
2. Gender-based violence-
Domestic and Sexual violence against women can lead to poor physical and mental health, isolation, job loss, economic dependence, and ultimately a vicious cycle of abuse.
3. Emotional imbalance after marriage-
Women are considered a burden on the Parental family and are quickly married and sent off. Some women are alienated from Parental homes while some are not openly accepted by their husband’s family. Women find themselves in this no man’s land which leads to emotional insecurities.
4. Low income for women-
Men are paid higher than the woman with the same educational profile and experience. Women are not often promoted in their jobs as they are perceived to be less productive because of their child-rearing responsibilities.
5. The cycle of emotional abuse of women by women-
Restriction on a young woman is imposed by the elderly because the older women think this is the norm and their culture justifies it. Controlling women ensure the operation of male-dominated, ancestor oriented, patriarchal family structure.
6. Sharing a home with a person who is alcoholic or abuses drugs-
About one-third of women who live in such households suffer from stress, anxiety, and depression.
FACTORS THAT PROTECT WOMEN FROM MENTAL ILLNESS
1. Autonomy to make decisions about family and professional matters.
2. Access to monetary resources.
3. Psychological support which includes love and care from family and friends.
4. Promoting equality amongst all members of the family.
5. Need to transform gender-based norms so that unpaid care -work is shared equally between women and men.
6. By increasing the awareness that women’s powerlessness has a negative impact on the children even their sons.
7. Women should get equal inheritance rights to the paternal property. This will give them economic independence and confidence to fight and stand up against any abuse.
8. All women married or unmarried should be encouraged and supported to attain Financial Independence.
