Women Empowerment

Women are the backbone of any society. They are born managers and leaders. Men can inspire us to fight, but women inspire us to unite. A woman brings us to this planet and teaches us how to live. She has both gentleness and strength.

Both men and women are equal. Then why are we dividing everything on the basis of gender? Man and woman are like the two wings of a bird. Which eye is more important — right or left? Both are equally important. They both have to support one another; only then can we maintain harmony.

As far as birth is concerned, a man’s role is only to give his seed. For him, it is only a moment of pleasure. It is the woman who receives, conceives it for nine months as a part of her being, creates the atmosphere for that life to grow within, and then gives birth to a new life. This is the power of a woman. No man can do it. Men are created from women.

The principle of motherhood is as vast and powerful as the universe.

If feminism is about equality, then equality should be of opportunity. Identifying with gender means identifying with the reproductive parts of the human body — isn’t it? If you want to identify with any body part, at least choose the brain. There is nothing pure or impure about the cycle of the body. It is just biology. So don’t underestimate the woman.

Have you heard about Lord Shiva’s Ardhanarishwara form? It is half male and half female. This means complete ecstasy. In every woman, there is a man; and in every man, there is a woman. These two cannot be torn apart without harming the very fabric of life. The purpose is to realise that we are two equal parts of a complete whole. One cannot exist without the other.

A woman’s body is very open to penetration, so she can become an easy prey. The urge to be secure creates more insecurity. It is very important for women to be educated and aware.

To change the mindset of society, I want to raise some questions in favour of women:

1. Why can’t the government make it mandatory that no property can be bought or sold without the wife’s signature?
2. Rape cases should be taken very seriously. Many cases do not get reported because of social fear.
3. The biggest culprit is religion — widows cannot participate in religious ceremonies, and no woman can perform the last rites. Why?
4. Why don’t men keep fasts for their wives so that she will live long? What is their plan — that the wife dies early and they can marry again?
5. Why don’t men wear symbols of marriage so that other women know he is taken?

Women are creative, not created. Women are a storehouse of power. If this power is used in the right direction, it can do wonders.

So don’t live in the shadow of people’s judgement. Make your own choices. Every woman is blessed with the power of multitasking. Stop looking for approval. Go and pursue what you want in life.

Unity is achievable only by learning to live with differences.

Femininity is a principle; it is not just a gender. The woman principle is the ability to yield, accept, adapt, care and nurture. It is a combination of patience, strength, resilience and dedication.

The male principle is domination, aggression and being programmed to facilitate the role of provider. They cannot enjoy the luxury of patience. Both principles stimulate each other. It is truly a very complex interaction, and both are equally important.

Chaitra Navratri is not just the beginning of the Hindu lunar year, but also a powerful period of inner renewal. It is the time to worship the divine feminine Shakti — the energy that governs creation.