Certainly, here’s a different perspective:
Embracing the Diversity of Women’s Choices. Every woman should have the freedom to choose her own path as an individual. It shouldn’t be turned into a societal trend or the sole “right” way to live in the world. I believe that raising two children and nurturing them is a full-time responsibility, not just about reproduction. It’s about shaping the future generation. The world of tomorrow will be shaped by the kind of mothers we have today.
When I ask many women what they do, they often say, “I’m just a housewife.” I tell them, “Why do you say ‘just’? Don’t underestimate the significance of nurturing two or three new lives.” It’s a crucial role. My own mother never explicitly told me, “I love you,” but her dedication to us was evident in everything she did. Her life was dedicated to creating an environment for us to thrive in. And I can’t imagine my life without her presence.
Although my mother didn’t actively shape who I am, the atmosphere she created was fundamental to my growth. She invested her life in setting up that atmosphere, knowing it would play a role in my development. This was the most vital contribution she made. Why would anyone think this isn’t important? In my early years, I didn’t have to worry about anything because she ensured the foundation was strong.
Today, our world is overly focused on economics. Money is a means to acquire necessities. Men focused on procurement while women delved into life’s more beautiful aspects. However, now women are also driven to procure. If there’s an economic need in the family, it’s fine for a woman to work – but it shouldn’t be considered superior. Whether she sings, plays music, cooks, or simply loves her children, she lives beautifully, like a flower. That’s sufficient.
We shouldn’t judge a woman’s worth solely by her ability to earn money. If there’s an economic necessity or if she’s passionate about working, she can and should pursue it. But we mustn’t establish these values as superior in society. Such a perspective would hinder societal progress, prioritizing survival over the aesthetics and beauty of life.
In general, people often work to meet their financial needs. However, there are cases where individuals work out of passion for their endeavors. While some individuals find satisfaction in their work, for many, work is primarily driven by the need for financial gain. Therefore, if there arises a financial requirement within a family, it is entirely acceptable for women to engage in employment or contribute by working from home.
The central question is not whether women should work or not, but rather whether such a need exists. If the requirement has shifted from being purely financial to social in nature, it may not be necessary for every woman to work. The vision behind the rapid technological advancements in today’s world is to eventually create a society where neither men nor women are compelled to work and can enjoy their lives more fully. Unfortunately, many people continue to work out of a sense of compulsive action, unsure of other ways to occupy themselves. This circumstance is less than ideal.
In the context of women, there has been a significant push in the last few decades for every woman to pursue a career. This movement stems from the exploitation that some women experienced due to their financial dependence on men. In response, many women felt that entering the workforce was the only solution. However, such exploitation is not a universal reality, and it doesn’t apply to all families. The notion that a woman’s worth is measured by her earnings has been influenced by traditional male perspectives. In striving for women’s liberation, there’s a risk of adopting values that don’t genuinely align with their unique qualities. This can inadvertently lead to a form of enslavement. True freedom for women involves avoiding the absorption of male-centric values and instead finding ways to amplify their feminine qualities, cultivating a presence that’s as delicate and captivating as a flower.
Exploring a Life Beyond Self-Care
The beauty of the world isn’t solely derived from financial success. Whether on an individual level, within families, communities, or the global community, beauty emerges when a few individuals extend themselves beyond personal interests to make a positive impact. This altruistic perspective is what elevates the world.
Drawing from personal experience, my own mother never pursued work outside the home, and my father never considered it necessary for her to do so. However, this didn’t render her insignificant. On the contrary, she was indispensable. Without her contributions, our family would not have thrived. Her dedication, her selflessness toward her children and husband, has profoundly shaped us.
Her devotion and commitment to our well-being, her unwavering support and tireless efforts, were all carried out with love as the driving force. She wasn’t enslaved by these responsibilities; she undertook them joyfully because of her profound affection. To label her contributions as exploitation would have been an affront to her, as they were expressions of her deep love.
The Beauty of Altruism
The true beauty of the world doesn’t stem from monetary gains alone. Whether on an individual, familial, communal, or global scale, beauty arises from the actions of those who go beyond personal well-being, motivated by a genuine desire to make a difference. This is the essence of what makes the world beautiful.
A family serves as the fundamental building block of any community. If this sense of altruism isn’t nurtured within a family, it’s unlikely to thrive elsewhere. Instilling this perspective of love and dedication in children from an early age is paramount.
However, it’s worth noting that a woman need not abandon these values if she chooses to work. If there’s a genuine need to contribute financially, she should certainly pursue it. Using my mother as an example again, she didn’t join the workforce, yet she ensured that she made valuable contributions at home, eliminating the need to purchase certain items.
Throughout my childhood, until I left my family’s home, I never encountered a pillow without a touch of embroidery. Whether it was a small parrot or a delicate flower, my mother’s handiwork adorned these pillows. This seemingly simple gesture has had an enduring impact on my life. While my father could have easily purchased decorative pillows, my mother’s touch made a significant difference. Her contribution, whether financial or practical, was valuable.
Hence, how a woman decides to function within her family is deeply individual. There’s no universal philosophy dictating that all women should work or that all women should remain at home. The key lies in embracing one’s unique qualities, aligning personal choices with values, and cultivating a sense of purpose that goes beyond convention.
Investigating the diminished participation of women in India’s workforce parallels delving into the limited number of men engaged in culinary endeavors within the country. In both instances, we observe the impact of deep-seated cultural norms, historical roles, and societal expectations associated with specific genders.
