Beyond the Celebrations of Womanhood: What Must Be Done?

As we observe Women’s History Month, women are celebrated with flowers, social media tributes, and lofty promises of empowerment. But what do these gestures mean when millions of Indian women still suffer in silence—trapped in abuse, violence, and systemic oppression?

Empty Words, Harsh Realities

While urban slogans of “empowerment” echo loudly, the ground reality is grim. Across homes, streets, workplaces—even protective institutions—violence against women persists.

The Hidden Scars: Domestic and Sexual Violence

According to the NFHS 2019–2021:

• 30% of married women (18–49) have experienced domestic or sexual violence.

• 3.1% of pregnant women reported physical abuse.

• In 2022, India reported 31,516 rape cases—a 20% rise. Countless more go unreported due to fear and stigma.
  

The Unseen Murders: Female Foeticide and Infanticide

Between 2000 and 2019, an estimated 9 million female fetuses were aborted. States like Haryana and Punjab still report skewed child sex ratios of up to 120 males per 100 females.

Even Kerala—with the highest female-to-male ratio and high literacy—is not exempt from dowry deaths, domestic violence, and deep-rooted patriarchy.

A Legacy of Action: Sugathakumari and Abhaya

Activist and poet Sugathakumari refused to remain silent. After witnessing horrific conditions in a government-run mental hospital in 1985, she founded Abhaya—a sanctuary for destitute women, especially those with mental illness.

Abhaya’s impact:

• ‘Karma’ – care for mentally ill individuals

• ‘Sradha Bhavanam’ – rehabilitation center

• ‘Mitra’ – mental health and de-addiction center

• ‘Abhayabala’ – shelter for deprived girls

Her advocacy even pushed Kerala to open mental institutions for public review after 150 years, improving mental health care statewide.

Gender Equality: Still a Distant Dream

Despite the talk of equality, only 30% of Indian women (ages 15–64) were employed in 2022. Women earn less, are underrepresented, and face constant workplace discrimination.

What Must Be Done?

1. Legal Protections

   • Enforce stricter laws against domestic violence, rape, and workplace harassment.

   • Fast-track courts for quicker justice.

2. Educational Reform

   • Gender-sensitive curricula must challenge stereotypes from a young age.

3. Economic Empowerment

   • Equal pay mandates, affordable childcare, and incentives for gender-diverse companies.

4. Social Change Campaigns

   • Nationwide awareness to combat patriarchy, dowry, and son preference.

5. Support for Survivors

   • More funding for shelters, helplines, and mental health services.

6. Political Representation

   • Ensure more women in leadership and decision-making roles.
     

Beyond Women’s Day: A Real Call to Action

Empowerment is not a social media trend. Real change demands unrelenting effort, policy reform, and grassroots activism.

Let us honor women like Sugathakumari not with words, but with action. Let us become voices for the voiceless, and build a world where every woman lives with dignity, safety, and freedom.