“Bol ki lab azaad hain tere” - Faiz Ahmad Faiz
Speak, for your lips are still free.
In the grand theatre of ideologies, liberalism and conservatism have played prominent parts in the narrative of women's rights. Each ideology, with its own script and direction, claims to support the cause of women. However, as triumphs and flaws are scrutinised, the performances of these ideologies come under scepticism. As the narrative unfolds, the question lingers - Have they been successful in scripting a narrative of progress, or are they simply perpetuating the status quo under the guise of reform?
Source: Getty Images
Liberalism: A Beacon of Equality
In the grand narrative of societal evolution, liberalism has emerged as a powerful force championing individual rights and equality. This ideology has been instrumental in securing significant strides for women, from the acquisition of voting rights post-independence to the entitlement of property rights under the Hindu Succession Act. The importance of these rights becomes evident when one considers the power they confer. In a democracy, a vote is a voice; the more rights one possesses, the louder that voice resonates. Historically, men and the state have held the lion’s share of property, thereby wielding greater influence in decision-making.
In response to such disparities, feminism emerged, advocating for women’s rights and striving to level the playing field. The fruits of these struggles are evident today, leading to greater representation and a louder voice for women, especially in workplaces where merit is supposed to be the sole criterion.
Source: Student activists protest US intervention in Vietnam in front of Altschul Hall, during student strike in April 1972 // Barnard Archives and Special Collections
However, the road to equality is fraught with complexities. Well-intentioned policies, such as the “Diversity” Quota in internships, have faced criticism. While the aim of including more women is commendable, the method is often scrutinised. Such measures may inadvertently alienate men, who might perceive them as appeasement tactics rather than genuine attempts at inclusion. This could potentially exacerbate the very problem these rules aim to address. As the saying goes, “Equality is not about sameness; it’s about fairness.”
Moreover, the inclusivity of liberalism has been called into question when it comes to transgender women. The current Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill in India, which provides a lower sentence for offences against transgender individuals than for cisgender women, underscores this inequality. It seems that the scales of justice are still tilted in favour of the cisgender majority.
The narrative takes a twist with the enactment of the Triple Talaq Law (TTL) in 2019, which criminalised instant divorce in Muslim communities, has been criticised for failing to meet its claimed goal and possibly reinforcing patriarchal hierarchies. The law was enacted amidst a politically charged environment, perceived by many as anti-Muslim, which further fuelled scepticism. This context, particularly during the anti-CAA protests, cast a shadow of doubt over the BJP government’s intentions, leaving Muslim women questioning the true motive behind the legislation.
Source: Times Of India
In the end, is the fight for equality creating a level playing field, or is it merely tipping the scales in the other direction?
Conservatism: The Pillar of Tradition
These instances lead people to believe that the good old days were better. A time when roles were clearly defined: women were the nurturers, tending to the home and hearth, while men were the providers, ensuring the sustenance of the family. This division of labour fostered a nurturing environment where children imbibed family values under their parents’ watchful eyes, growing into responsible citizens. It was a system that preserved societal structures and shielded the young from society’s potentially harmful factions. In times of distress, there was always a community to lean on, a safety net of individuals who genuinely cared.
After all, we humans are social beings. We may not have the speed of a cheetah or the ferocity of a tiger, but our strength lies in our communities. This collaborative spirit has propelled us to the top of the food chain, establishing us as the planet's dominant species. Our ability to collaborate has been crucial to our evolutionary journey. However, modern systems have made us hyper-independent, leaving us with little time to develop and nurture the groups that we so urgently need in times of joy and sadness. This shift has not gone unnoticed and has raised concerns among conservative thinkers.
Yet, the journey towards progress is not without its pitfalls. Biases ingrained from a young age have led to the unfair treatment of women across various fields, limiting their opportunities. This was starkly highlighted in 2023 when top Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medallists, raised their voices against sexual harassment allegations. Instead of support, they were met with resistance, police detention, and public vilification - a stark reminder of the challenges women face when they dare to speak out.
The implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam further underscored the historical issues of women’s exclusion. It left 1.9 million people, 69% of whom were women, without citizenship papers, underscoring the fact that progress doesn’t always reach everyone.
Source: Bilkis Dadi // Time 100 Most Influential People 2020
This narrative weaves together the threads of societal evolution, the longing for a bygone era, the challenges of modernity, and the struggle for equality. It’s a story that continues to unfold, shaping and being shaped by the actions of individuals and communities alike.
The Final Verdict?
In the grand tapestry of human history, society stands at a pivotal crossroads. On one hand, we have the traditional systems, the tried and tested structures that have propelled us to the top of the food chain. These systems, while effective, are often marred by biases ingrained from an early age, leading to the unjust treatment of women and limiting their opportunities.
On the other hand, we have the burgeoning wave of liberal ideas, advocating for equal chances for all, challenging the status quo, and demanding change. This ideological shift promises a level playing field, but it also threatens to disrupt the sense of community fostered by our traditional systems.
This just begs the question: how do we strike a balance between a structure that propelled the human race to the top and an ideology that gives everybody a level playing field? The answer lies in the synthesis of the old and the new. We must embrace the virtues of both conservatism and liberalism, forging a middle ground that fosters equality without eroding our sense of community. After all, our social nature and our ability to interact have been instrumental in our evolutionary journey.
This harmonious blend of tradition and progress will pave the way for a more inclusive culture. But the path is fraught with challenges. Society must confront its own biases and work towards a future that values both community and individuality. But the question remains: Is society willing to confront its own biases and work towards a future that values both community and individuality or will prejudices continue to shape the future?
Article by: Stuti Pathak
President
PES MUN Society, RR Campus