Women’s Equality Day: India’s Ongoing Struggles
Today, as the world observes Women’s Equality Day, India stands at a crossroads. The day marks the historic victory of the 19th Amendment, a milestone that granted women the right to vote in the United States. But as we reflect on this global symbol of women’s empowerment, we must confront the stark reality that, in India, the fight for women’s equality is far from over.
A Hollow Celebration Amidst Deep Injustice
In India, the celebration of Women’s Equality Day feels like a cruel irony. How can we celebrate equality when the news is flooded with reports of violence against women, systemic discrimination, and institutional apathy? The brutal reality is that women in India continue to be subjected to horrific acts of violence—whether it’s the recent cases of sexual assault, dowry deaths, or the rise in domestic abuse during the pandemic. These aren’t isolated incidents; they are symptomatic of a deeply ingrained patriarchy that sees women as less than equal, less than human.
The Gender Pay Gap and Political Underrepresentation
Economic inequality further underscores this disparity. Women in India earn, on average, 20% less than their male counterparts. This gap isn’t just about money; it’s about power. It reflects a society that still sees women’s labour as secondary, their contributions as disposable. Meanwhile, in the political arena, women remain severely underrepresented. The much-promised Women’s Reservation Bill, which would reserve 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women, remains in limbo—yet another promise of equality left unfulfilled.
Reproductive Rights Under Siege
In a country where access to healthcare is already a challenge, women’s reproductive rights are constantly under threat. Recent debates around abortion laws have revealed a chilling disregard for women’s autonomy. When the state decides what a woman can and cannot do with her body, can we truly call ourselves equal?
A Call to Action
Women’s Equality Day is not just a day of remembrance—it is a call to arms. It is a reminder that the battle for equality is not just historical but ongoing. As we confront the injustices that women in India face today, from violence to economic disparity to political marginalisation, we must recognize that this is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal crisis.
Let today be a wake-up call for all of us. The fight for women’s equality is far from over, and it demands our collective action. If we are to truly honour Women’s Equality Day, we must commit to tearing down the structures of oppression and building a future where women are equal in every sense—no exceptions, no excuses.
