Beliefs: Shaping Gender Roles!

Belief, a fundamental aspect of human existence, possesses the ability to shape our perspectives, guide our actions, and exert significant influence over the important decisions we encounter. This potent force can spark remarkable accomplishments, transform societies, and drive individuals towards the pursuit of their dreams and goals. Across history, belief systems have played a pivotal role in molding entire civilizations and igniting revolutions that have fundamentally altered the fabric of society.

Intriguingly, belief, as a powerful force that can shape our perspectives and actions, extends beyond the broader cultural context. It can also influence our personal beliefs and behaviors. This notion became apparent to me when I reflected on my own upbringing and the strong convictions I once held about how a girl should behave.

Things like covering yourself up, not speaking too loudly, smiling but not laughing too loudly, and being gentle, subtle, and kind. These ideas have been ingrained in us since we were kids, maybe even from birth. It’s like they found a way to program these words into every part of us. People seemed to like our behavior when we followed these rules, and maybe that’s why I’m still trying to live up to them, almost like being conditioned like a dog (haha). I’m not blaming my mom or feeling sorry for her; she grew up with these expectations too.

One sunny afternoon, my mom and I ended up chatting about how cultures change over time. We couldn’t use any gadgets because there was no electricity and the Wi-Fi was down, so we decided to pass the time by having a good old-fashioned conversation. During our chat, my mom shared a story from her childhood that involved my grandmother.

My grandma really stuck to her traditions, and you could see it in the way she did things. She never wore pajamas; she always wore sarees. Plus, she followed this rule: she’d never sit directly in front of my grandpa or my dad. That came from an old belief that it’s impolite for a woman to sit that way in front of a man. Maybe because of her upbringing.

As I reflected on my grandmother’s steadfast dedication to tradition, it made me wonder about the lasting impact of these deeply rooted beliefs, not just on my own outlook but on society as a whole. This train of thought gained more depth when I stumbled upon a comedian’s amusing perspective on women’s roles. He highlighted the challenges faced by women striving for financial independence while also managing household responsibilities. It raised questions about the evolving dynamics of gender expectations, especially for women who juggle work and home life.

It feels like almost every part of me has been trained to act like a well-behaved person, being polite and gentle in my behavior. That’s the advice we’ve been given as we grew up. It got me thinking: why do the women have to carry both loads in their baskets when they have an option? isn’t a right? It’s interesting to see how it’s influenced me to ask the above. (LOL)

On the other hand, let’s set aside the gender aspect for a moment. Whether it’s work, running a business, household chores, or any challenge someone is facing, isn’t it a kinder and more humane approach to lend a helping hand instead of making fun of them?

As I laughed along with the comedian’s clever jokes, it sparked a deeper contemplation about the wider societal consequences of gender roles. This change in perspective naturally directs our attention to the important issue of women’s involvement in the workforce and the difficulties they frequently encounter when trying to manage both their careers and household duties.

The podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia and Kunal Shah, or the latest Global Fintech Meet, Kunal mentions women’s participation in the workforce and their importance in the economy, and when you look at the data, it’s clear that India lags far behind even its neighboring countries in this regard.

According to the World Bank, women’s participation in the workforce in India is around 21.1%. However, when we look at data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), it’s slightly higher at 32.8%. These numbers may seem different, but it’s because they use different methods to calculate the rates.

When we compare India’s women’s workforce participation to other countries, it’s lower. For example, the United States has a participation rate of 57.5%, Canada is at 59.8%, China is at 46.1%, Japan is at 45.3%, South Korea is at 51.6%, Australia is at 60.7%, Bangladesh is at 25.4%, Pakistan is at 21.4%, and Thailand is at 47.7%.

As we examine the stark disparities in workforce participation rates between countries, it becomes evident that these numbers encapsulate complex societal dynamics. Yet, it’s not just about statistics; it’s about the broader implications for gender roles and societal progress. The number of women in top leadership positions, whether as CEOs or starting their own businesses, is relatively low in India.

I’ve noticed the same thing when watching series and movies from different countries. The way women are portrayed can vary quite a bit, and it’s interesting to see those cultural differences. They have access to day care which create more opportunities, It makes you wonder about the future, especially when it comes to women’s roles in the workforce.

Encouraging more women to join the workforce isn’t straightforward because cultural expectations around marriage, appearance, and raising children often take precedence. Even women who work often do so out of financial necessity rather than personal choice.

It’s not about jinxing it, but rather about considering the changing dynamics and what that might mean for society. As we move forward in this ever-changing world, we have the ability to question, reshape, and lift each other up. By recognizing how our beliefs, whether personal or shaped by society, affect us and by being kind and working together, we can create a fairer and more caring world. Belief should set us free, not hold us back, opening doors for everyone to succeed and be happy, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Cheers

PS: It’s a rant!

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