In India, it is common knowledge that women are often left vulnerable, marginalised and ignored by the ones who are the supposed to be—as per patriarchal norms—the main breadwinners for the family. They are, sometimes if not always, left with the basics that are required for survival. As women, we are often subjected to many social evils that hinder us from thriving and being our best selves and for change to truly take place, it is essential for these barriers that are holding us back, to be destroyed completely. Here are some social evils that need to be bashed and banished so that women can feel truly empowered in society.
1. Menstrual taboos
One of the most significant barriers that hinder women and young girls from feeling truly empowered are menstrual taboos. In many countries like India, the problem lies in people having limited or incorrect knowledge about periods. Many girls are caught unaware when they start menstruating and then many social taboos are thrust upon them, like not touching things in the kitchen and staying away from places of worship amongst others, which often lead to further isolation or stigmatization.
2. Female foeticide and female infanticide
According to the 2020 United Nations Population Fund report, India counts for almost 32 per cent of the total missing females in the world. ‘Missing females’ refers to the shortfall in the number of women comparative to the predicted number of women in a region or country. It is usually caused by sex-selective abortions, female infanticide, and scarce healthcare and nutrition for female children.
3. Domestic violence
Between 2001 and 2018, the rate of reported cases of domestic violence by husbands or relatives towards women in India rose by 53 per cent, as reported by BMC Women’s Health journal. It should go without saying but women obviously deserve respect and care, and the fact that gender-based violence is that common in our country should enrage us all.
4. Dowry
Even though it is an act that is prohibited by the law, cases of dowry are very common in the country. In 2021, reported dowry death cases in India amounted to nearly 6,800. From weddings being called off to women being harassed post-marriage, unreasonable demands are often made, leading to a happy affair like a wedding becoming a transactional act and a woman being led to feel like a product being traded.
5. Lack of education
According to the National Statistical Office, India's country-wide female literacy rate is 70.3 per cent, while the male literacy rate is estimated at 84.7 per cent. There are several reasons why women don’t have access to education including social discrimination, gender inequality, roping in of girl child in domestic chores and economic exploitation. In a few cases, even if girls make it to school, they often drop out as they don’t have access to clean washrooms and dealing with the onset of menstruation.