Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
The response to Anand Mahindra's recent tweet has raised the hackles of women who have been saying this for ages without being acknowledged, but let's also look at the positive.
The response to Anand Mahindra’s recent tweet has raised the hackles of women who have been saying this for ages without being acknowledged, but let’s also look at the positive.
A recent tweet by Chairman of Mahindra Group and Industry leader, Anand Mahindra is winning hearts across social media. He made the following tweet on his handle:
“I’ve been helping to baby-sit my year old grandson this past week & it’s brought home to me the stark reality of this image. I salute every working woman & acknowledge that their successes have required a much greater amount of effort than their male counterparts.”
Where his comment has garnered appreciation it has also raised the question as to why he never noticed it before, especially since he heads a big conglomerate and has many women working for him.
However, I feel it’s not too late. It is a step in the positive direction when men of power and stature start acknowledging that women manage dual roles with aplomb.
There have been a gradual but distinctive shift in our society as more and more young women join work force. They have dreams and aspirations for both their professional and personal lives. Though they chart out their career plans, most of them also want to get married and experience the joys of motherhood. But, when the time comes, it’s a fine balancing act that a woman has to maintain. Apart from the maternity leave that she takes, which at times costs her plum opportunities, she also starts a race against time at both work place and office.
Where most men want working wife to have the double income benefits, they do not want to share the work load at home. Unfortunately the thought that kitchen work belongs to a woman is deeply entrenched in our mindset. Though they might be supportive of their wife’s career choices, most would still shy away from pitching in. The management of kids’ schedules, projects and homework also usually fall on the mother’s capable shoulders.
True, there are house helps and at times grandparents to help but organizing and delegating is also usually the woman’s domain. We have heard many stories of women suffering from early burn out, depression, stress and anxiety as playing a wife, mother and employee is not easy.
It has to be noted that even with the many demands on them; women are still making their mark. They are heading banks, corporate, starting their own companies or flying planes. They are climbing the corporate ladder with one hand, while folding clothes with another. They are not asking for any special concession but a word of recognition once in a while means that their hard work is noticed and appreciated.
Yes, it took Anand Mahindra a week of babysitting to realize this, but atleast he did recognize and commend them. He did not dismiss it thinking that it’s a woman’s job. He admits that men have it easy. Hence, I think we should take this compliment and move ahead with our heads held high.
Image source: shutterstock
My first book - Second Chances has just released and is present on all online book stores. Do pick up a copy to read about the adventures of a novice ghost. read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
14 years after her last feature film Dhobi Ghat, storyteller extraordinaire comes up with her new film, Laapataa Ladies, a must watch.
*Some spoilers alert*
Every religion around the world dictates terms to women. The onus is always on women to be ‘modest’ and cover their faces and bodies so men can’t be “tempted”, rather than on men to keep their eyes where they belong and behave like civilized beings. So much so that even rape has been excused on the grounds of women eating chowmein or ‘men will be men’. I think the best Hindi movie retort to this unwanted advice on ‘akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai’ (an alone woman is like an open jewellery box) came from Geet in Jab We Met – Kya aap gyan dene ke paise lete hain kyonki chillar nahin hain mere paas.
The premise of Laapataa Ladies is beautifully simple – two brides clad in the ghunghat that covers their identity get mixed up on a train. Within this Russian Doll, you get a comedy of errors, a story of getting lost, a commentary on patriarchy’s attitude towards women, a mystery, and a tale of finding oneself, all in one. Done with a mostly light touch that has you laughing and nodding along.
Please enter your email address