They want no sops, just a level-playing field

International Womens Day: Empowerment, education

 
Women across all sections of the society shared their views with Deccan Herald on the status of women in the contemporary society.

“Education is of paramount importance for women. With the erosion of faith in marriage system, women should accord priority to education and employment over marriage. Instead of hurrying to marry girls off, giving education should be top priority in the present time,” says Prameela, a bus conductor.

 Reflecting on the economic independence of women, district general secretary of Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane V Geetha said  women have come out of ages and a situation is evolving she need not depend on her husband for livelihood. “However, rural women are at a disadvantage in responding to this kind of challenge. Lack of education and self-confidence is the major obstacle. On the other hand, working women are not having job security and social security,” she said.

There is no specific reference to women in the State budget. Except pension for anganwadi workers, the government has not come up with any initiative for the benefit of women. While compensation has been declared for mother’s death during child birth, it is equally import to ensure nutritious food for pregnant women as well, Geetha opined.
According to Mamata Reddy of Mahila Jagruti Vedike, despite women breaking new ground in all fields, the number of oppressed women is also on the rise. Even the modern women are being subject of atrocity. The society should still imbibe the quality of responding to the woes of women.

Women have to toil from dawn to dusk doing daily chores while it is not so with men. We have to accept it as a challenge, says Padmavathamma, honoured with Best Farmer Woman award.

“We could achieve much more if we are given 50 pc representation. Women should be given priority and they too should make use of the available provisions to the hilt,” opines Zilla Panchayat vice-president Naveeda Khanum.

Sounding a restraint note, Tahsildar M S Mangala said women should make constructive use of the freedom. Both men and women should be respected equally. Women should not neglect children while earning.

Rathnamma, president of Asha, a network for Aids patients opine that women have been deprived of legitimate rights. Life would certainly be difficult if women do not have the zeal to demand and secure their rights, she felt. Families do not support women taking up jobs even in 21st century.  Girls should not discontinue studies under parental pressure. If not government job, they should try to become self-employed, she opined.
“Majority of women representatives hesitate to speak in meetings. Apart from providing reservation for women, it is also equally important to see that obstacles in taking advantage of the provision are removed. Women need suitable guidance in this behalf,” says Taluk Panchayat vice-president T V Jayalakshmi.

According to district officer for the welfare of physically-challenged and senior citizens, H C Nagamani, International Women’s Day is an occasion to raise voice for the benefits yet to be made available to women. “We should be given 33 pc representation in Parliament.”