Amiss the new MISS

Enough is being said about women empowerment. Every other weekend when I turn to the editorial of a newspaper, I always find an article on women empowerment. THE MODERN-AGE, mobile-flashing, up-market and sassy lady of the new millennium is a great symbol of empowerment of women. There's just one little catch according to me. Empowerment doesn't just come from a part of the population getting their share of rights or maybe more. It needs an awakening in everybody.

What about the women in the remote areas of the country, who haven't even graduated to gas stoves from the old wood and charcoal fires and can only fantasise about three meals a day for their family and maybe, healthy kids. The women who slog as domestic helps, construction workers and worst of all, those who are forced to sell their bodies to survive, don't they deserve their share of empowerment? How many of them have even the basic right of exercising choice. Our society is still inhuman enough to speak of prostitutes in hushed tones and ignore their presence while the males continue to exploit the ignorance.

Why are we so vexed about understanding and portrayal of sexuality. It is true that our country boasts of the Kama Sutra and it is great that women have a choice of dress and freedom of will. But, the message going across is that every woman on the road is a mannequin on display. Why does a "flashing scene" on a late night American show become news in the national newspapers here? Means why are we so hypocritical about sexuality.

I strongly believe women are not meant to be married off as soon as possible to get a `burden' off; neither do they need a groom bought for them with dowry. So what if the girl is past 27-28 years of age and yet unmarried; means doesn't she have a choice to find someone right for her, who likes her for who she is, not just for how she looks? Women's rights are not favours done by men for women. Male chauvinism needs a break. Letting the lady of the house make decisions is not by the man's choice, it is the lady's right to have a say. Let us not confuse obscenity and vulgarity with liberty and emancipation.

We need to grow up and change our outlook. Protecting or helping a woman from a mob trying to molest her or humiliate her is a responsibility of every self-respecting citizen present there. Do not let eve-teasers go unpunished, they will only grow into molesters. Women are much more than weepy, dumb, decked up decorations meant to look "hot and sexy" and not utilise their brains. They are human beings, with brains, the ability to use them well, feelings and thoughts. If you are in a relationship with her, stop being a dick; trust her, respect her and let her be what she is. Probably then would be the case that you really love her. The day we learn that probably then would be the day when they are really empowered.