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Kathmandu Thursday January 04, 2001 Paush 20, 2057.
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For
women’s liberation
Iagree with Prativa
Subedi’s concept (Pg 4 TKP, Dec 25, 2000) of feminism. It is this force that launched
the movement towards equality. Our culture should be oriented towards equality for women,
about doing something responsible for our society.
Women have often been the
victims of traditions. Sati and child marriage are described as part of the
‘tradition’. Historically, women, conventionalised into their roles of wives,
sisters and mothers have remained trapped in cross-cultural conflicts.
Even today, many women and
girls have been forced into prostitution due to poverty, abandonment and kidnapping. Of
late, however, some women have acquired some degree of freedom They can work, go out with
their husbands, choose the number of babies they want to have, take training classes and
so on. But look at the increase in rapes and dowry deaths, look at our movies! Women seem
to be there only as sexual objects.
In real life, women harass
women. Sister-in-laws, mother-in-laws present themselves as oppressors. Some women even
harbour prejudice against girl children. The definition of progress is in confusion. It is
not about just having boy friends or wearing low necklines. Progressiveness is about equal
education, job opportunities, the right to work after marriage and family planning.
Feminism, after all, is not
only the fight against discrimination, it is also the fight for emancipation. Laws must be
enforced to punish the social culprits.
Adil Hussain
Birgunj |
