Working Women
Indian Society is shaped by traditions. Generally, women do not enjoy the kind of 'freedom' as in the West. Most serve the families into which they are born until marriage - and thereafter their husbands and his family. But society is changing. With young women
being encouraged to delay marriage, they are as keen to be educated as
much as young men. Those not lucky to enjoy the chance of a good education
usually work to support their families.
In many regions of India you will rarely find a female working at a gas station. But in Kerala, with its excellent
literacy rate, things are different. Being literate, women have high self-esteem and are not shy like in many parts of (especially rural) India. "Here you
can look women in the eye," a western visitor stresses with
surprise.
In Kerala young women tend to be well educated. Many are trained in
fields of technology. And at least in the official exams it often looks
like they are smarter than their male colleagues. Probably they have to be......
Once life was simple. Growing from Girl to a Women meant
marriage and being a mother and homemaker.
Since ancient times
women had a clearly defined natural role. With "the achievements" of modern
civilization and consequent overpopulation, things are not that simple
any more. Once life was shaped by "bare necessities". Now modern society as a
whole has taken over to care for these. And what's left are individual
desires which - if fulfilled - promise happiness. What kind of a promise is this ?
For males it seems to be an easy one. They always had the quest to
test their strength, conquer advantages and gain influence and power. It
is much more difficult for females. Having children, they served a prime
purpose - nurturing the next generation.
Relations between the sexes changed. Once married men had the instincts
and duty to protect their wives and children. Both sexes were partners
in a prime pursuit. And close-knit communities served well in making sure
that husbands did not mistreat their wives. But when families and communities
break apart this changed. In came all the problems with men's 'macho' behaviour
which occasionally run up to violence against women. In came Social Activists claiming equal rights for women. Young women
are told to follow the example of men : get an education, seek a job and
pursue their individual happiness - whatever this might be...
