It's noteworthy that our country is taking some measure to ensure women get equal status and opportunity. What the reality is, is of course a different debate altogether.
With International Women's day being recognized as part of the 68 internationally celebrated commemorative days, and having been celebrated for over a century now it's disturbing why women in so many parts of the world still struggle to claim their social and economic rights. One may debate that the law is discriminative in may countries and regions, some may even say that we live in a patriarchal society and so things naturally trend towards women being superseded by the male. But then again it's the chicken and the egg story!
A very interesting statement in the sermon by the priest last evening, speaking on women's day, left me pondering:
We each are guilty for STILL patronizing patriarchy!
In a marriage, why does the man always have to be older than the woman, taller, earning more, be better or equally qualified? Why does the woman have to leave her home and family and start afresh, while the man's life stays pretty much the same? Why does the woman have to change her name and her identity? The list is endless...
My question to women out there:
Do you have it in you to do the opposite? Will you marry a younger guy and be the main bread winner of the family? Will you buy a house for your future husband? Will you marry a shorter and lesser qualified man?
My question to the men reading this:
Are you intimidated by women that are equally or more successful? Will you change your name after marriage? Will you be a stay-home father while your woman pursues her career?
As I write this piece today, a hymn from my school calendar book comes to mind:
"It takes courage to answer a call
it takes courage to give your all
It takes courage to risk your name
it takes courage to be true
It takes courage to dare what no other will share
To be standing alone, One who no one will own
To be ready to stake for another man's sake
It takes courage to be true."
