Money Power to Women!

‘We rule the world’… a statement that couldn’t have been uttered by women a few decades back, but now we can…right!!!


Yesterday
Milind Rao married Shubhalata, only after making it clear that he wants a wife who takes care of the household chores and proves to be a good home-maker, irrespective of any job she takes up, which eventually is not required…

Today
Manish Rao (son of Milind and Shubhalata Rao), is searching for a soul-mate who is well- educated, capable of taking major decisions, be it financial or familial, and of course, handling household responsibilities as well...

Our mindsets surely have undergone a radical change today; men and women both have changed over the decades. Gone are the days, when women were only expected to be good homemakers, taking care of the husband and family. With the changing times, along with the status, the expectations of and from women have also altered.

We, women, are qualified enough to take all the decisions concerning our lives and that of our family members…right from selecting a life partner to opting for a profession, to freezing on the kids’ primary school. We - the 'weaker sex' (is it???), now have a pivotal role to play in decision-making. Whether it is managing the routine household budget or handling the finances of a company; it is no longer a Herculean task for us. Wait, this is not all! We also contribute, in a major way, in the progress of the country’s economy, which is visible enough to silence anyone disagreeing with the fact. We have moved out of the imaginary limits set up by the conservative society, and have placed ourselves beyond the image of a home-maker. In fact, we have stepped out of those stereotyped vocations like teaching, stitching, nursing, etc., which were considered as the preferred, rather, the only job options available for us ages ago.

Thanks to the education in the country that has witnessed great heights, we now experiment with new professions, and successfully step into the once known as the male-dominated areas. We cannot deny that, over the years, urbanisation has also played an essential role in the women’s employment sector. However, even the rural parts have observed women coming out of the four walls, to prove to be a helping hand for the men in the family. Think of as many areas as you can, and you will find at least a handful of confident women standing with remarkable and honourable achievements, amidst the men.

Well, I am not being biased, but frankly speaking, it is not just literature, music, beauty or fashion where women have shown their brilliance; but they have also participated in science and technology, sports, law, banking and finance, management and journalism, as equally as men or even better, right girls???

Reason for the Change…

What do you think has contributed to our success? Besides the factors like education and globalisation, it is the ‘Economic Empowerment’ that we enjoy. Call it financial independence or economic freedom – it is something that has helped us clear up our image of being weak and dependant on our fathers or husbands or other male members of the family. Economic Empowerment is something that hardly existed for us about 20 years ago. This kind of economic stability in our lives was missing some two decades back.
With more and more women taking charge of the commercial sector very effectively, our lives have undergone several changes throughout. These changes are a part and parcel of our present lives. We don’t realise it, but, if we take a look at the past, we realise the difference…difference in terms of our professional and family lives.

Job or Career?

Wondering what the difference is between the two terms? The difference is not just the definition, but it is of 20 years. How? Although, revolution and westernisation have pulled us out of our sweet homes and made us earn an income for a living, our mums and possibly some grannies, who worked then, were simply into a JOB and not into a CAREER. They slogged hard and earned enough, but they were not a part of the rat race or any competition. Well, can’t blame them, as they were too devoted to their familial bonds and the demands of the in-laws. In spite of earning, most of the essential financial decisions were taken by their fathers and husbands after marriage. All their income was utilised in the household expenses, for the kids, or as per the decisions of the elders of the family.

It was unfortunate that, in spite of bringing in a major share of income, they hardly had any share in utilising it. Perhaps, that’s why, today, about 80-85% percent of women, in their retiring ages, are not financially secure, irrespective of their educational status. Good for the younger generation, as this is not the case today, surely. Today, we consider our professions, not just as a job, but as a career-building elevator. At the end of the day, what matters is that we have our own money to use, according to our wishes and convenience. We decide what amount should go for the kids’ education or into the joint account with hubby dear. We have our own bank accounts and various other facilities to avail. What can be more exciting and pleasing than buying a gift on your anniversary, with your own hard-earned money (without any share from the husband’s income)?

What can we do with it?

Well ladies, please understand, I do not mean to say that money is everything, but yes, it is something that gives us power in our hands, our thoughts and in our actions. It gives us that economic stability, which is closely associated with the other aspects of life, like decision-making. Financial independence improves the quality of our decisions. It makes us capable of confidently arriving at a conclusion and be firm on it… and also face the consequences of the same. Wait, here, I mean, by the money that we deserve, that we earn, by efficiently putting our education, knowledge and skills into the right place for the right use.

Besides, it gives us Social Security. Today, many of us are staying alone, are single or in live-in relations, or even as single moms. Many of us even take the decision of breaking off the marriage or engagement, without worrying about ‘log kya sochenge’. Do you think this was possible some 20 years back? Well, you know the answer for yourself. We really have come a long way to become this strong, isn’t it? However, strong women need not only be the educated ones. A home-maid, Vandana, who turned out to be capable enough to give her four sons and husband a comfortable lifestyle in the chawl, is also strong. In spite of a drunkard husband, she worked day and night and built a small storey above her room.

So what do you think?

So, all I want to say is, strong women are those who can stand up on their feet and take decisions, and be ready to face the consequences as well. Along with taking care of the household responsibilities and family members, they also manage their profession well. It’s the Economic Empowerment that makes them strong and independent. This has really changed the face of the world. Wonder how it will be in the future? What do you say, girls???