Are women misusing their gender advantages over men?
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I believe women often have certain advantages in society. For instance, there are reserved seats for women in buses, separate ticket counters for ladies, and women-only coaches in some trains. These are just a few examples highlighting the advantages provided to women and the potential discrimination against men.
While sexism against women is more prevalent globally, men also face discrimination. Men can be victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, but such violence is often taken less seriously due to societal attitudes that men are fearless and capable of self-defense.
A notable example of sexism is the issue of rape.According to the Indian Penal Code, rape is a non-bailable, gender-specific offense, leading to a man’s arrest if a woman files a case against him, even before full investigation. Though not every case is false, studies suggest around 2 out of 10 might be, showcasing the misuse of the law.
Other examples include disadvantages in child custody during divorces, limited paternity leave, and shorter life expectancy. Laws can be abused to harass individuals. No law should be misused by anyone, and an allegation alone should not warrant an arrest. The police must investigate thoroughly before registering a complaint under the appropriate sections.
Women, often perceived as a “vulnerable” group, may or may not actually be so! This vulnerability depends on- physical or social capabilities in question. Physically, women could be vulnerable, however, socially they’re rarely so. This inherently directs policies and laws to be women centric, keeping them at advantage.
Gender is a social construct which propels equality of both men and women. Measures like women centric laws and political reservations are instances of gender advantages. Women in India have been known to misuse the Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which is meant to protect them from domestic violence. Women often file false complaints of domestic violence against their husbands and in-laws to gain leverage in divorce proceedings or to extort money. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act is misused by women to gain an unfair advantage in divorce proceedings or to harass their husbands and in-laws.
Moreover, in child custody cases, women tend to manipulate the mother-roles so hard that a father’s role is sometimes sidelined.
In Chander Bhan v. State 2008, the Delhi High Court held that “there is no iota of doubt that most of the complaints are filed in the heat of the moment over trifling fights and ego clashes. It is also a matter of common knowledge that in their tussle and ongoing hostility, the hapless children are the worst victims.”
All in all, we need to understand that women alone are not victims and men alone are not the accused. Carrying a neutral approach to all genders is essential.
Women holding “advantage” over men is debatable and quite questionable too in the Indian context. This has also given birth to the counter-term of “Menism” in the recent time. But it is important to note that women in India have still not achieved what Men have, the concept of equality still remains just a “concept” for many. While strides have been made through initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and reservations in education and politics, deep-rooted patriarchal structures persist.
The landscape of women’s rights and empowerment in India is complex. While laws like those against domestic violence and sexual harassment offer protection, their implementation is uneven. Rural women face additional challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and property rights. Government schemes like MGNREGA and various women-centric initiatives aim to address these disparities.
Notably, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, mandates one-third reservation for women in legislative bodies. Schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Mudra Yojana target women’s empowerment through education, finance, and entrepreneurship. Initiatives like Mahila Shakti Kendras and the Women’s Helpline provide support and resources.
Despite advancements, deep-rooted patriarchy hinders women’s progress in India. While addressing misuse of legal provisions is crucial, a holistic approach focusing on strengthening legal systems, raising awareness, and empowering women economically is essential for achieving gender equality.