Last Updated on May 18, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Women are often worshipped as goddesses in our society. But the irony lies in the fact that they do not get the respect they deserve from the society. And in a lot of cases, they are not respected even in their own families. Despite the relentless efforts of women to establish their identities, they continue to face challenges as long as our society remains patriarchal and holds a strong preference for sons.
Recently, a shocking incident in a rural area in Rajasthan recently seized the spotlight. A couple initially experienced immense joy upon hearing the news of their newborn child being a son. However, their attitude took a drastic turn when they learned that their bundle of joy was, in fact, a daughter. Astonishingly, they refused to accept their own daughter, convinced that they were somehow incapable of having a girl. It is disconcerting to witness the existence of such a low mindset among people who believe they can never have a daughter. Equally perplexing is the phenomenon where people who have sons through childbirth develop a disdain for the mere existence of daughters.
Anti-women claims on social media
Regrettably, within this narrative, another disheartening aspect emerges; the involvement of doctors who exploit this societal mindset. A woman, in the early stages of her pregnancy, visited a hospital for a routine medical examination. Shockingly, a doctor allegedly offered her medication that could guarantee the birth of a boy. Additionally, misleading assertions circulate on social media, claiming to be able to determine the sex of a child before birth, and distressingly, these claims receive validation from different sources. So, if children are really god’s gift, then is it right to make such claims or engage in such practices?
The callous disregard that society holds towards women is not a recent phenomenon. It is the product of a long-standing conservative mentality and narrow-mindedness that persits to this day. This unfortunate reality manifests in the abhorrent practices of female foeticide and in a lot of other cases, in the immediate abandonment of newborn girl children by their own families.
The myth of sons as sole support of old age
Shobha (name changed), a domestic worker employed in an affluent locality of Muzaffarpur, said, “It is very important to have a son because daughters eventually leave to establish their own households, whereas only a son can carry forward the family legacy. Thus, it is crucial for us to have at least one son.” Twenty-six years old and mother of five girls, Shobha is still eagerly anticipating the birth of a son along with her husband, who is a daily wage labourer. Their eldest daughter, who is just eight years old, has begun assisting her mother in their work.
The pursuit of having a son has led to a disregard for the health of both women and their children during childbirth. There are numerous instances where a woman’s body is not physically prepared for subsequent pregnancies. And yet, societal pressure compels them to give birth solely for the sake of having a son. Consequently, people often overlook family planning, as the desire for a male heir takes precedence. This phenomenon results in the neglect of daughters who are born into such families. Their basic needs are not adequately addressed and are often married off eventually. Legal provisions grant women the right to inheritance. However, in families or societies where disappointment arises from the birth of a girl child, these laws lose their significance. They become mere pieces of paper lacking any real importance.
Various factors at play
The primary aim of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme launched in Panipat, Haryana in 2015, is to combat gender-based discrimination. It focuses on safeguarding the lives and well-being of girl children. It also addresses ensuring access to education, promoting their active participation, and protecting their rights. However, as per the report from 2019-12, the gender ratio in India stands at 925 girls per 1000 boys. To improve this state of women, it is essential to view the existing gender disparity through the lens of gender discrimination. Numerous factors contribute to this disparity. To challenge and overcome such mindsets, it becomes essential to raise awareness about inspiring examples where women have reached great heights and achieved remarkable accomplishments. This, in turn, can help foster greater inclusion and participation of women within both the family and society.
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