Equality of the genders must begin at home

Photo for representational purpose. Picture Courtesy/iStock

The debate is still simmering about the Cabinet approving a proposal to raise the legal age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. A report in this paper had several people working in the human rights space, part of political organisations and non-profits airing their views. Most were for the proposal.

Yet, it was clear from several responses that the development must be seen holistically. It simply means that women need to have greater autonomy and not be limited in terms of choice in any and all aspects of life.

From when she can marry, to who she must marry to whether she should marry at all, women must have much greater say when it comes to their lives overall. We witness their wings clipped in numerous ways. Sometimes these are overt, from being told to follow orders to blanket ‘no' to subtler ways of enormous and at times, life sapping control from elders, or just about any age male, who seem to think they have the power and consequently the privilege to dictate terms.

This is not to say that good, well-meaning and sensible advice or rules should not be followed. Yet, we do witness women subjected to a great deal of control in homes either through conditioning or force.

From discriminatory and highly sexist tropes like women should be seen and not heard, or, girls should not be given too much freedom, as they may go astray, we need to see these vile and criminal stereotypes fall away.

When we talk equality or parity it is on all levels, the legal, the mindset and societal norms, too. These are all also inextricably linked to one another. As we stand on the brink of a new year, here's to progressive legislation and a society that gives more agency and avenues to women.