Nari Sashaktikaran Mahaj Ek Nara Nahi Hai

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Nari Sashaktikaran Mahaj Ek Nara Nahi Hai" by Ratna Oswal:

Book Title: Nari Sashaktikaran Mahaj Ek Nara Nahi Hai (Women's Empowerment is Not Just a Slogan) Author: Ratna Oswal Publisher: Z_Ashtdashi_012049.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/211266/1

This text, "Women's Empowerment is Not Just a Slogan," by Ratna Oswal, argues that women's empowerment is a critical reality and not merely a catchy phrase. The author highlights the pervasive challenges faced by Indian women across various aspects of life, from their personal well-being to their representation in society and governance.

Key Issues and Arguments:

• Discrimination and Inequality:

  • Family Life: Women often have to eat last and sometimes less in their own families.
  • Education: There is a significant gap in literacy rates, with 54% of Indian women being literate compared to 76% of men.
  • Decision-Making: Women's representation in decision-making roles, whether in governance or society, is alarmingly low. This is evidenced by less than 8% representation in parliamentary seats, less than 6% in cabinets, and less than 4% in high courts.
  • Violence: A staggering 70% of women face violence both inside and outside the family throughout their lives. Police records indicate frequent incidents of sexual harassment, rape, and divorce/separation.
  • Media Representation: Modern media, including TV shows and advertisements, often portrays women negatively. They are shown as temperamental and difficult to manage in relationships, with issues like sexual harassment, marriage, and parental roles being trivialized or mocked. Women are often relegated to marginal roles, and the obscene depiction of women in advertisements is ignored, with no state imposing bans on such content.
  • Nutritional Discrimination: Girls often face nutritional discrimination within families.

• The "Missing Women" Phenomenon:

  • Out of India's population of 1.03 billion, approximately 496 million are women, meaning there are 933 women for every 1000 men. However, the author points out the existence of 32 million "missing women." This implies that these women are either eliminated before birth, die due to malnutrition, or succumb to violence and discrimination, leading to suicide. This is further supported by state-specific sex ratio data, which shows a disproportionately low number of females per 1000 males in states like Haryana (860), Madhya Pradesh (875), Odisha (972), and Kerala (930), indicating that women are often denied the right to live.

• Constitutional Guarantees vs. Reality:

  • The Indian Constitution assures women of equal rights, prohibiting discrimination based on religion, race, sex, birth, or domicile. Articles 15(1) and 16 guarantee equal opportunities in employment. Article 39(a) ensures equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
  • Despite these constitutional provisions, the author questions the actual freedom, equality, and quality of life enjoyed by Indian women. She highlights the lack of discourse on these issues in newspapers, media, political speeches, or spiritual gatherings. The text poses critical questions: Do Indian women have the freedom to develop their potential? Are they protected from those who snatch their freedom? Are they safe from violence, discrimination, deprivation, fear, and injustice?

• Women's Empowerment as a Solution:

  • The author asserts that women's empowerment is the answer to these questions. It represents an inner voice, a call from a pure heart. It is a "green revolution" for women to achieve equality and self-respect.
  • Empowerment is defined not just by measurable achievements but by a broader movement enabling women to achieve their rightful place.
  • The goal of women's empowerment is to provide:
    1. The freedom to live fully.
    2. The right to a healthy life.
    3. The right to education.
    4. The right to work without exploitation.
    5. The right to make decisions without exploitation.
    6. Freedom from fear.
  • This includes raising awareness about their rights and staying vigilant.

Conclusion:

Ratna Oswal's "Nari Sashaktikaran Mahaj Ek Nara Nahi Hai" is a powerful critique of the prevailing gender inequality and violence against women in India. It emphasizes that true women's empowerment is a fundamental necessity for individual and national progress, going beyond mere rhetoric to address the deep-rooted systemic issues that hinder women's full participation and well-being in society. The text calls for a comprehensive approach that ensures women have the freedom, security, and equal opportunities to live a dignified and fulfilling life.