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In the vast realm of fashion, certain pieces manage to transcend trends and become timeless staples, embodying the essence of elegance and confidence. The red skirt is undeniably one such garment, with its ability to captivate hearts and turn heads wherever it goes. It stands as an iconic piece that effortlessly exudes confidence and vibrancy. Undoubtedly with it’s rich history and multifaceted allure this vibrant piece has etched its place in the fashion tapestry.
The red skirt has made its mark across various historical periods, each time infusing a touch of rebellion or sophistication into the fashion landscape. In the Victorian era, red skirts symbolized wealth and status, as the dye required to achieve the vibrant hue was a luxury item. Fast forward to the flapper era of the 1920s, where red skirts represented a break from societal norms and a celebration of the liberated spirit. Today, the red skirt continues to carry echoes of its storied past, reminding us that fashion is a dynamic narrative that evolves through time.
From ancient civilizations to modern runways, red has consistently held a place of prominence, captivating the human imagination. The red skirt, as an extension of this rich heritage, embodies the wearer’s desire to make a statement, embracing the power of self-expression through color. Whether you’re navigating the boardroom, enjoying a night out, or embracing a casual day with friends, it becomes a symbol of self-assuredness and individuality.
What makes the red skirt truly enchanting is its ability to serve as a versatile canvas for creative expression. Whether it’s a bold midi skirt, a flowing maxi, or a tailored pencil skirt, the variety of red skirt styles caters to diverse tastes and preferences. This adaptability allows fashion enthusiasts to experiment and infuse their personal style into every ensemble, making the red skirt a staple in wardrobes worldwide.
In a world often dictated by fashion norms and seasonal trends, the red skirt stands as a rebellious force, challenging the status quo. It encourages individuals to break free from the constraints of traditional color palettes and embrace the vivacity of red. This rebellious spirit has made it a favourite among those who seek to make a bold fashion statement while remaining true to their authentic selves.
Whether you are a fashionista looking to make an audacious statement or someone seeking versatile wardrobe options, a red skirt can be your secret weapon. Check out these captivating ways to wear a red skirt, ensuring you turn heads and leave a lasting impression.
Imagine strolling through the city streets, feeling like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn. The classic chic look pairs a knee-length red skirt with a crisp white button-down shirt. Complete the ensemble with a pair of nude pumps and a structured handbag for a timeless and sophisticated appearance. This combination effortlessly transitions from a day at the office to a dinner date.
For those laid-back weekends when comfort meets style, opt for a casual and playful red skirt ensemble. Pair a flared piece with a graphic tee or a cozy sweater for a relaxed look. Throw on a denim jacket and some trendy sneakers to add a touch of street style flair.
Turn heads at evening events with a stunning red skirt paired with a sleek blouse or a lacy top. Opt for a maxi or midi skirt with a side slit for added drama. Complete the look with statement accessories, such as bold earrings and a clutch.
Capture the essence of bohemian style by incorporating a red skirt into your free-spirited wardrobe. Choose a flowy, boho-style skirt and pair it with a loose, off-shoulder top. Add some stacked bracelets, a wide-brimmed hat, and ankle boots to complete the boho-chic look.
Break away from the monotony of office wear by introducing a bold red skirt into your professional wardrobe. Opt for a pencil skirt paired with a tailored blazer in neutral tones. This not only adds a pop of color but also radiates confidence and power. Complete the look with classic heels and a structured handbag.
With its versatile charm, this offers a myriad of styling possibilities for every occasion. Whether you prefer a classic, casual, elegant, boho-chic, or bold office look, incorporating a it into your wardrobe allows you to express your unique style. After all, fashion is not just about what you wear; it’s about how you wear it.
A version of this was published here first.
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When I have teenagers in my class I have to be more of a friend than a mentor to them.
In my last class, I heard a group of girls giggling and teasing one of them. Upon asking the reason they shared that the one who always attempted crime and murder mysteries is now drawn to write romantic poems; Valentine’s Day being round the corner, all the teasing was happening. I enjoyed that light moment for a couple of minutes and took my class ahead.
After my class, I managed to strike up a conversation with the same girl. So, this girl is a Colleen Hoover fan. She deeply believes in love, but she does not want to get married.
“When you don’t get something that is promised, you call it a scam, right Mam? I feel marriage is a scam, especially in India. I have seen my uncle’s marriage break because of the expectations and family pressure. I see my mom either adjusting and sacrificing or cribbing about her marriage. What I read in books is not in sync with what I see around me. I see my parents saying “I love you” to each other, and then I think, do they even mean it?” she paused, “Okay Mam, not sure why I just blurted out in front of you! Gotta go, bye Mam!”
This girl left, but her thoughts remained with me. The clarity of thoughts is intimidating! And how true is that, right?
I tried to recollect my thoughts on this incident, and, to be frank, they were no different! The only thing that was missing was, I thought I would be the changemaker and chain breaker; but I did not realize when I got used to the default settings… so much so, that I forgot to customize them for myself!
I mean, we Indians have hyped married life to a level where we have changed its whole essence.
Adjusting, compromising, and sacrificing are all part of a married life, as far as they are being done by both parties equally. It is a lifetime partnership right, all the investments that go into making it have to be shared, and then the joys will multiply. A new bride coming into the house can be considered a DAUGHTER or DAUGHTER-IN-LAW and that depends upon the way the family receives and accepts her.
Hence, Gen Z and Millennials deciding to stay single, in one way, is a very mature decision. It is about avoiding all the baggage and trauma that follows and choosing to live life on your terms. If you want them to believe in the institution of marriage and happily ever after, then show them the same picture in real too. They won’t trust you until the spoken words and actions are in sync!
Image source: YouTube/ Made in Heaven
We always under pressure from society to look and act a certain way. You risk rejection, criticism, and judgment if you don’t live up to expectations. Then, you will receive subpar treatment in an effort to avoid rejection from the losers in your immediate vicinity. You must act or present oneself in a particular way. In certain ways, the idea of authenticity is despised by our society. Instead of being ourselves, we’re all attempting to be someone else. You will have to hide it because many people aren’t able to live up to certain standards. After then, things are viewed through a different prism and will be disregarded, rejected, and evaluated.
They are then viewed through a different prism of judgment, one in which they are scorned, rejected, and assessed so harshly that they lose the respect of those around them.
But why are we treating each other so badly, I wonder? Why are we such harsh judges?
Why can’t we accept how disgusting and vile we are? Why must we always be well-groomed and refrain from acting in a way that would make someone else look bad?
Since we are all fallible human beings, it is only natural that we will learn from our mistakes.
Let’s embrace being human in it’s full entirety. Being human means a work still in progress and we all are “work in progress”. A process where we all are pushing our own limits to be the better version of who we are.
Dear Daughter-in-law,
Today, you enter our home with new dreams and hope. In you, I see my reflection from a long time ago. The wedding festivities have prompted me to take a trip down memory lane. A marriage is a fresh start where bonds are forged, and love flourishes. I wish you all the happiness and abundance in the world. May your cup always overflow with contentment and love, for your husband and your family…but most importantly, for yourself.
I married at twenty-one. My husband’s side was considered progressive for those times. ‘Progressive’ meaning, I was ‘permitted’ to work as long as I could manage the chores and the family. You must be rolling your eyes at the ‘permitted’. A naïve me was thrilled. I had hit the jackpot! And so, I juggled work and home, embarking on a tightrope walk. Waking up at five, cooking, catching the local, slogging at the office, and then returning home to cook dinner.
All in a day’s work.
I was the epitome of excellence, the one who braved the grind with a smile. The good wife and the good daughter-in-law. I basked in my laurels. We bought a house with our combined incomes- mine and my husband’s. Yet, my family labeled my home, my husband’s.
Ironic, isn’t it?
Things got harder, exponentially. I told myself that my blessings were overflowing. But my existence? It had become mechanical. When voluntary acts of love become compulsions, the suffocation sets in. Unable to cope with the pressure of raising two children, I quit my job and became a stay-at-home mom.
Everyone assumed that I was being the ‘good mother’ and commended me for it.
I was dying inside, like a fragile creeper in the wind, drifting along the direction the gales blew. One morning, I woke up and looked at myself in the mirror. I looked at the premature greys and my wrinkled forehead. I looked at my hands that still reeked of the lemon from the dishwashing liquid, and the messy saree with the turmeric stains from the kitchen. I had aged years and fallen victim to routine, losing my zest for life. I wondered where I had gone wrong. And then it struck me! In a quest to earn validation from others, I had forgotten the most important person. Me.
The me within me was dying. I had forgotten to love her, and she sulked in a corner, forgotten, and abandoned. How could I love others if I wasn’t capable of loving myself?
That evening, I had an intense discussion with my husband. I told him how unhappy I was, and that I needed to make changes to my life. Our life.
He agreed. We were financially stable and could afford to hire help. I started teaching at a school. The boys found it hard at first, but they soon adjusted. They grew independent and started doing chores rather than only occasionally helping. I started taking care of myself and my appearance. For the first time in months, I tied up my unruly tresses and ironed my sarees. It felt wonderful!
However, the whispers started again.
Look at her! Feminism has gotten into her head. She wants to become a career woman. What is the need to work at this age?
I ignored them because I was at peace with myself. The result? I was happier, and confident, and could take on any challenge that life threw at me. You must be wondering why I am sharing all of this with you, and that too on your wedding day. At the engagement ceremony, I overheard you talking to your friends. You said you deeply admired me, and you wanted to be like me. You called me, ‘a woman who has it all’.
I admit it felt wonderful that you were placing me on a pedestal. But that’s when I realized you were falling into the same trap. I was setting you up for failure! You need to know the reality of my mantle and what I had to do to reach here.
For every wonderful thing you do, there is going to be one person who finds faults.
You can’t win them all.
Today, I entrust you with a piece of my heart, my son. No, I’m not the dramatic mother-in-law who tasks the new bride with taking care of her diamond. My son is a fully functioning adult. I have taught him to take care of himself and to contribute to the household. In him, you will find an equal partner.
I am proud of your achievements and hope that I can be as supportive as you need me to be. Because if you give up, in it lies my failure too.
Self-love starts with you, and so does happiness.
Welcome to the family! I will not insist that you call me Mummy. I hope to earn that title with time.
Lots of Love,
Aunty
This was first published on the Momspresso app which is no longer available.
Image source: by Ankur Kumar from Pexels Free for Canva Pro
Trigger Warning: This deals with sexual and physical violence against women, and may be triggering to survivors.
Does being convicted for a crime make women a fair game for lecherous men?
Women are not safe on the streets, in their workplaces, their educational institutions, or their own homes, and now, neither are they safe in a jail. Various studies done within Indian prisons have concluded that a majority of women prisoners are Adivasis, Dalits or from other marginalised communities that are being criminalised. Their social and economic situation makes them vulnerable, being unable to defend themselves legally and financially. After facing a harrowing life outside prison (which probably took them on the path to their crime) these women have to face more of it under the protection of the law.
A shocking revelation came to light by Lawyer Tapas Kumar Bhanja, a lawyer appointed as amicus curiae by the Calcutta High Court to look into overcrowding in prisons in the state.
In a written petition to the Calcutta High Court about West Bengal correctional homes on Thursday, February 8, 2024, he expressed concern about the disturbing issue of women prisoners getting pregnant while in custody. It’s an estimate that almost 196 babies have been delivered throughout the state.
The amicus curiae also went on to describe his experience of visiting one such facility in West Bengal and how he witnessed the birth of fifteen children and a pregnant lady, bringing attention to the sexual exploitation of women in these facilities. He visited the women’s correctional home along with the inspector general of correctional homes and the secretary of the district legal services authority.
Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Supratim Bhattacharya took the matter seriously and ordered a hearing before a division bench specialising in criminal cases.
Although the Model Prison Manual 2016 published by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, dictates important guidelines to be followed in a prison for women, they’re still dealing with following challenges.
In India, of the total 1,401 prisons, only 18 are exclusively for women, housing 2,985 female prisoners. A majority of women inmates are housed in women’s enclosures of general prisons.
Lack of women staff
It all comes down to the lack of female staff in the prisons in our country. The lack of female staff leads to male staff being given the responsibility and thus access to the prison. Women prisoners need gender-specific services to be catered by female staff.
Lack of proper sanitation and hygiene
While the prison manual prescribes one toilet for ten women, that is rarely the observed case. Also, the lack of water makes sanitation efficiency hard to manage.
Lack of regular jail visiting advocates
As per the new National Prison Manual, State governments are to appoint jail-visiting advocates, set up legal aid clinics in every prison, and provide legal literacy classes in all prisons to ensure prisoners have access to legal aid. Visits by members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to various prisons have revealed that many jails do not have a legal aid cell, and very few prisoners have accessed legal aid.
Regular physical and sexual violence
Incidents of violence, including sexual violence by inmates and authorities, have been reported from across the country. However, official reports underestimate the prevalence of violence because prisoners fear retaliation, as they are forced to stay in the same place as their perpetrators. In 2017, Manjula Shetye was allegedly beaten to death in Byculla jail by prison staff.
No facilities to take good care of children of inmates
Children up to the age of six are allowed to live with their mothers in prisons if no other arrangements for their care can be made. As per a 2009 BPR&D report, proper facilities for biological, psychological and social growth of the child, crèche, and recreational facilities are not available in every prison. In many cases, an adequate special diet for children is not always provided besides a glass of milk.
Prohibit entry of male staff into women prisoner areas
In response to multiple pregnancies and subsequent numerous childbirths in the correctional facilities for women, the amicus curiae proposed preventive measures such as a ban on entry of all male staff members in female correctional facilities.
Betterment of daily life
The amicus curiae also proposed other measures for the betterment of the lives of women inmates.
He requested all the district judges, who chair the Board of Visitors, to tour the correctional facilities under their scope and take note of the number of pregnant women and women with children born in the prison.
Pregnancy testing before admitting woman prisoner
He also proposed for all West Bengali police stations to conduct pregnancy testing before taking in the women inmates, so that any pregnancy later is a clear indication of sexual abuse. This could possibly prevent or at least minimise their sexual exploitation in the facilities.
Training of all staff in empathy
It’s clear that establishing rules is not enough. Prison staff needs to be trained in empathy for their charges. Women in prison have a hard life as it is, staying away from their families, children, and loved ones; they don’t need to be taken advantage of and robbed of their dignity in a place where they’re supposed to be safe. Steps need to be taken to implement already established rules and severe punishment for violating the rules.
Image source: by CraigRJD from Getty Images Signature Free for Canva Pro
I read a post on X recently in which a woman recounted a disconcerting experience during a professional interview call.
As the potential employer conducting the interview, she found herself on the receiving end of an unsettling remark from the interviewee. The man commented on her nose pin while he was being interviewed which according to me was not just unprofessional but also random, creepy and weird. Obviously, this unwarranted remark caught the interviewer off guard and also left her feeling uncomfortable and questioning the professionalism of the interaction.
The woman’s astonishment at the audacity of the interviewee’s comment is understandable. In a professional setting, discussions should revolve around qualifications, skills, and the job role, not personal appearance.
https://twitter.com/Havaldarshinde/status/1755487784364556729
The inappropriate nature of the comment in the power dynamic at play surprised me even more, and made me wonder what would such a person do when the power scale tilts towards him. The woman did not hire him and rightly so, but there is something that bugged me even more about this whole matter – the response of some men to the woman’s post.
Honestly, what is perhaps even more concerning than the initial comment itself is the subsequent defence and justification of this behaviour by some individuals, predominantly men.
Arguments attempting to downplay the seriousness of the incident or dismiss it as harmless banter only serve to perpetuate a culture where boundaries are blurred, and respect is lacking.
How hard it is to recognise that professionalism extends beyond simply fulfilling job duties? It encompasses respect for others and adherence to appropriate conduct. Comments about physical appearance have no place in a professional interview setting, regardless of whether they are intended as compliments.
There are men who actually went on to say – “Women have to learn to take compliments else there will be zero interaction”. Are you serious? No, you need to learn to have better conversations!
The incident is a glaring reminder of the importance of fostering a workplace culture where respect, inclusivity, and professionalism are prioritised. Employers must not only establish clear guidelines against harassment and discrimination but also provide training on interpersonal skills and appropriate conduct in professional settings.
Furthermore, bystanders play a crucial role in upholding these standards. By speaking up against inappropriate behavior and holding perpetrators accountable, we can collectively work towards creating a more equitable and respectful workplace environment.
I want to end this by just stating one thing – there would have definitely been no comment on the looks of the employer if it were a man. So you see, it is never about the harmless compliment. If women outraging over this comes across as making a mountain out of a molehill, it’s high time we make a towering mountain range of accountability out of every misplaced comment and unwarranted conduct.
Image source: YouTube/ Sabhyata ad
Leheri Bai, a 27 year old woman from the Baiga tribe of Madhya Pradesh, was recently appointed India’s Millet Ambassador. Who is she, and why was she given this honour?
In the heart of Madhya Pradesh, lies the home of the Baiga tribe who follow rather intriguing agricultural practices aimed at the preservation and conservation of Mother Earth. They grow millets, cereals, pulses and oilseeds in the same plot.
Leheri Bai, who hails from the very same tribe, has been lauded nationwide for her ‘seed bank’ which has prevented over 150 millet species from going extinct. How did she do this? She follows a simple principle wherein she provides farmers with 1 kilogram of seeds for which they have to give her 1.5 kilograms back after harvesting. She stores all these seeds in her simple two room house.
From stealing the show at the G20 summit, to becoming India’s Millet Ambassador, she sure has many caps to don at the tender age of 27! She has also inspired over 40 women from her own tribe to follow her footsteps.
Of course, the key aspects of conservation and preservation are important. However, I feel like there is another viewpoint which is pertinent considering years of institutionalised marginalization.
Leheri Bai not only managed to carve a niche for herself, but also simultaneously fostered an environment which allowed other women in her community to grow with her. There is no denying that resources and material support are integral to the development of women from marginalised communities. However, when women like Leheri Bai take initiatives and break barriers, it instils a sense of courage and belonging in other such women, making their dreams seem more tangible to them. Women, especially those coming from marginalised backgrounds, are always given boundaries within which they are expected to colour.
I am sure all of us (I’m speaking for my generation here) have the memory of reading about Kalpana Chawla as pre-teens and then thinking that we could also make it to space. Personally, Kalpana Chawla being both Indian and female, made me feel more empowered as a kid than any other white, cis, male astronaut ever did. This is because humans innately crave relatability. The ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ ideology is deeply rooted in most of us, making somewhat relatable role models essential.
Women from marginalised communities who make it, do not just serve as inspiration. They also play a pivotal role in drawing the government’s attention towards the needs of the people of their community, which in turn results in overall development. The fame they garner also makes their community garner fame, thus resulting in the bridging of certain societal gaps. For instance, if a woman from a tribal community makes it, society’s overall perception of tribal people would change for the better resulting in the establishment of a more egalitarian environment.
With a good chunk of our population still living below the poverty line and caste-based discrimination being a reality in many places, upliftment of the downtrodden is required for the overall development of our country. However, for this upliftment to actually happen, more women like Leheri Bai must take the spotlight. It is only through continually motivating and inspiring other women from weaker sections of society that a positive sea change can be brought about.
Images source: YouTube
Ma Saraswati is heralded as the Goddess of Education. She is a woman. She is said to bring order in a world of chaos. When the world was disorderly, Lord Brahma brought Ma Saraswati to use education to find problems to every solution. Her birth gave rise to animals reproducing and flowers blooming and seasons changing.
Education shows people possibilities and solutions amidst problems. A woman is able to inspire others to use speech, think, understand and study. The literal meaning of Saraswati is “the essence of the self” as sara means “essence” and swa means “self” in Sanskrit.” Why do we the disrespect a woman and feel her birth is a curse. Society thinks a man brings good fortune and is useful to the society. The woman is a burden.
Ma Saraswati, the lover of music, books and culture does not believe in gaudy displays. She is pure and wears a white saree. This shows how knowledge is supreme and pure. Yet women is society are never listened to. Her views and opinions are ignored and the men of the society are the rulers. Whatever they say the women follow. What does a woman know beyond cooking and gossiping and raising kids, says the society. Men think that by giving a woman jewelry they are making her happy. Ma Saraswati does not wear these heavy jewelry.
Ma Saraswati sits on a lotus flower. The lotus flower stands on mud and always blooms beautifully no matter how dirty its environment is. The woman in society works hard and adjusts efficiently in the home where she grew up and in her in-laws house. She is always expected to make the sacrifices and learn the in-laws norms as quickly as possible.
Ma Saraswati has a swan with her. The swan is said to differentiate between good and bad milk. Education helps a person know what is good and what is bad. Education helps a person stay firmly grounded onto the virtuous beliefs and not get carried away by worldly wealth. The woman is our society are not allowed to study beyond a certain grade. Their education is deemed to be useless in front of marrying a man and keeping him happy.
Ma Saraswati holds the veena which is a musical instrument that requires extreme skillfulness and dexterity. People are urged to live a meaningful life. In society this means the woman performing multiple tasks and yet never being acknowledged. The man still gets paid more and the women’s multiple skills are just taken for granted.
Today when we celebrate Ma Saraswati’s festival, let us pause and think that if Lord Brahma gave so much power to a woman, then why we as a society cannot stop condemning the women and looking down upon them. Every woman’s skills should be highly appreciated and recognized. Her words of wisdom and pearls of thoughts should be given the highest value and acted upon immediately. When she says something, think it is Ma Saraswati singing the words of wisdom. Let us not forget that Ma Saraswati holds the Veda in her hand which is the ultimate knowledge. Let us start applauding and respecting the women in our lives.
Image source: by Grufnar from Getty Images Free for Canva Pro
In the run time of 3 hours 21 minutes, which is actually too long, misogyny and rampant bloodshed has been the only statement that the director has tried to portray in ‘Animal’. I refrained from watching it for a long time after hearing its reviews, but still gave it a try recently and the amount of anxiety it gave me is unimaginable. Basically, to prove his love for his father, Ranvijay (Ranbir Kapoor) goes far to seek revenge which turns out to be extremely violent and even traumatic for the audience, at some points.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s portrayal of toxic masculinity in the character comes to be visible in the entire movie. Ranvijay compliments Geetanjali’s (Rashmika Mandana) broad pelvis by saying she has a good child bearing ability, as a form of marriage proposal. Geetanjali surrenders to his alpha male personality, not once, but repeatedly. Post an injury, he deliberately compares his pain to that of menstrual cramps complaining how high pain tolerance level he possesses compared to women, which is definitely a useless comparison. He asks his lover to lick his shoes as a proof of love towards him and even goes a little far in justifying his infidelity as just a diplomatic strategy and expects his wife to forgive him just the way she forgives his other crimes.
Even the plot of the movie was very unconvincing. Sandeep Reddy Vanga portrayed some pointless scenes that posed nothing but negative impacts.
It’s a hardcore commercial movie and the director believes in violence and misogyny as a form of entertainment. Yet, it overshadowed its contemporary films like Karan Johar’s ‘Rocky aur Rani ki Prem Kahani’ that casts a liberal outlook. Ranveer Singh did a good job as Rocky Randhawa and his character was highly appreciated. The movie problematises misogyny, racism, body shaming and normalizes imperfections. The pitch of ‘Soch nayi par swad Wahi’ for their company’s advertisement was a slap to the gender division of labour. Even after belonging from an orthodox family, Rocky learns Kathak from Rani’s father which proves dance has no gender. Yet, after all these, Filmfare award for the best actor (male) was received by Kapoor for ‘Animal’. Karan Johar’s postmodern thoughts couldn’t withstand Vanga’s misogyny.
Not that there were no other alternatives. Vickey Kaushal once again proved himself by playing the role of India’s first Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw in ‘Sam Bahadur’. His gentleman attitude was far very convincing and soothing to the mind than that of Kapoor’s character, the traits of some of which were very unnecessary. Shahrukh Khan gave some of the best movies in 2023 for which he could have been a consideration. It’s high time to realise which way our society is heading towards. If movies are a reflection of our society and in turn also influence us, then such patriarchal traits shouldn’t be portrayed or encouraged in a society that talks about progressiveness and equality.
Recently, the ‘Ministry of Women and Child Development’ & ‘Ministry of Labour and Employment’ jointly convened an event aimed at charting a path for women-led development in India where government issued advisories for women employed in the construction sector.
As per the directive, maternity benefits and emoluments under ‘PM Matru Vandana Yojana’ will now also be extended to women in the construction sector, which is largely an unorganised sector in India. This will include access to safe and basic sanitation, creches, entitlement to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for an adoptive or surrogate mother.
To put this into effect, the labour ministry on Tuesday sent out a directive to all companies in the infrastructure sector that registered construction workers. With an increasing number of women contributing to the global economy in every sphere, it’s great to watch subtle changes being brought and talked about by the policymakers to create a conducive environment for women in workforce.
The amendment aims to create a nurturing atmosphere for nursing workers, curbing the likelihood of them ignoring their health and allowing them to support their family income. It’s indeed positive news, as the benefits were earlier only accessible to the women employees in the Indian organized sector.
I was delighted about the intended inclusivity because maternity leave is critical, considering the physiological demands associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
However, the comments accompanying the news were far more critical than appreciative of the move. Amusingly, the reactions are quite similar to earlier when the Maternity Benefit Bill was passed in 2017.
Some deem it to be a basic need and have welcomed it saying that every working woman irrespective of the income strata or nature of work should be entitled to it. But there’s a majority that has spelled concerns around the employability of women wage workers in future once the directive would be in effect. And, I must say that I completely agree, as I can anticipate a similar outcome. Without few changes in the advisory and inclusion of a provision mandating a specific percentage of women to be hired for each construction project, employers might be hesitant to engage women in such roles.
Perhaps, this must have been one of the primary reasons why Smriti Irani voiced out that ‘Menstruation isn’t a handicap’ and didn’t formalize period leaves i.e. to minimize biases that women already face at workplace and to ensure that employers are not disincentivized from hiring women.
While it’s great to see that most of the large corporates are practicing ‘Empathy Leadership’ by preaching – “Care is the new currency”, it’s a fairly new movement. In reality, employers have hesitated to hire married women or those with children, assuming they may not contribute as much to productivity as male candidates, or will require time off for family obligations considering women’s caregiving roles. Attitudes toward women in the workforce shift when they marry or start a family, when ideally these personal choices should not affect their ability to pursue career goals.
The point is, this shift in attitudes stems from employers’ observations of women taking more leaves or dedicating fewer hours due to increased caregiving responsibilities, a perception not applied to married men.
This brings me to a pertinent question- Why do men/boys in the family do not participate enough in caregiving responsibilities? Why is a woman’s employability and career always on line? As nuclear families become more prevalent, the diminishing familial and social backing for married women has anyway compelled them to forsake their professional pursuits to attend to family responsibilities. And, this trend is a significant setback for society.
As a menstruating woman myself, I understand that 50-90% of women worldwide experience painful periods, known as Dysmenorrhea, which needs ample rest, care and medication on those specific days. And, therefore denying paid leave for period ignores their genuine pain.
However, the counter-argument is also logical that employers prioritize profits and thus two paid leaves per woman would be viewed as an additional cost to the company or burden which can lead to hiring fewer women, undermining the argument’s core premise that is working towards providing equal opportunities.
A mid-way though can be chalked out by allowing women flexibility to work from home on those days to address the physical challenges.
I understand that talking with our employers about our periods is embarrassing and uncomfortable for most of the women because of the social conditioning most of us have been raised up with where we don’t talk with even men of the family about it; but then that’s what needs to change. We need not encourage hush hush about it any further. In the age and era where women are occupying the workspaces and collaborating on factory floors as well, it would be a great catalyst to their morale when they see acknowledgement in every term; not just for their work contribution but it would indeed be progressive to also acknowledge their pain and stress.
Talking about maternity leave, there’s no disputing that a woman’s body and mind undergo life-altering changes, encompassing both reversible and irreversible transformations during pregnancy and the postpartum period which warrant a considerable amount of time to heal, and then smoothly transition back to work.
However, the prolonged ‘paid maternity leave’ (extended from 3 months to 6 months in 2017) and the introduction of on-site childcare facilities in developing nations like India, where small businesses prevail and are expanding at a faster rate than larger corporations, and the financial strength of these small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) is not as robust as that of bigger companies or multinational corporations (MNCs), may have a more significant negative effect on female employment due to their relatively limited financial resources. Hence, a blend of paid and unpaid leave might be feasible for small-sized enterprises, yet it is essential to extend these benefits to safeguard women’s economic rights and guarantee job security.
A shift in perspective is necessary, wherein employers and society recognize these benefits not only as signs of progress on social and moral fronts but also as contributors to crucial work-life balance for women during a period when they need it the most. This approach would foster a productive employee, creating a mutually beneficial scenario for both the employer and employee.
The “Beti Bachao” and “Beti Padhao” initiatives have worked wonders for our nation by actively focusing on ensuring the completion of education for girls. Remarkably, the percentage of Indian girls pursuing STEM fields in higher education has surpassed that of girls in the USA over the past decade, indicating a high level of education. However, an intriguing situation has been on rise that despite their education, there is a declining trend in the percentage of girls entering the workforce each year.
The often overlooked bias that warrants discussion is the prejudice against considering women’s time of any value.
While workplace time bias is quantifiable through unequal pay, the more subtle manifestation of this bias is evident in domestic settings. From an early age, societal conditioning ingrains in women the perception that their time is less valuable than that of men, influencing how women express their domestic responsibilities. Regardless of profession, whether a woman is a doctor or a teacher, she will always say that her job is more flexible. This is an example of women being conditioned to guard men’s time as more valuable than their own. It would sound surprising but as per the neuroscientists, there’s no gender difference in our brains related to being a better caregiver or a superior multitasker.
The gender gap in caregiving burdens between partners is real, with assumed responsibility and guilt often surpassing the actual caregiving tasks. Women spend disproportionately more time on unpaid care work due to gendered social norms, creating a “double burden” alongside their paid activities. Unequal distribution of unpaid care work infringes on women’s rights and hinders their economic empowerment. The point is that basic life choices and biological functioning should not threaten women’s equal opportunities, and addressing these issues at the societal and policy levels is crucial for achieving gender equality. Some tweaks in our policies and we genuinely can work towards getting rid of biases and promote creating a levelled playground. But, policies alone cannot change what is intrinsic i.e. the mindset. Fostering sensitivity should begin at home.
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