By Narayan Prasad Mishra
We all recognize the indispensable roles men and women play in the functioning of families and societies. They are akin to the two wheels of a bicycle; without one, movement becomes impossible. The existence of a family, society, or country relies on the contributions of both genders. However, globally, women are often subject to unequal treatment, particularly in Asian countries where societal norms still dictate a lower status for women. This mindset persists, with even many women themselves adhering to it, giving preferential treatment to sons over daughters and viewing sons as more valuable assets, which we often see in our country.
My late wife, Shanti Mishra, known as the first lady professor of Tribhuvan University in the country, epitomized the potential of women when provided with equal opportunities. She was highly educated, holding two master’s degrees, one from India and another from the USA. She dedicated herself to advocating for women’s rights and equal opportunities, notably serving as the Member Secretary of the International Women’s Year Committee Nepal in 1975. Despite societal biases, she proved herself to be as capable as any educated man in her academic and administrative endeavors. Additionally, she authored the following book in English titled “Voice of Truth: The Challenges and Struggles of a Nepalese Woman,” among several others. She exemplified a woman who was equally unforgettable as a career woman, daughter, daughter-in-law, wife, and mother. As her husband, I continually feel blessed to have had such a loving and talented wife. I cherish her deeply and miss her every moment of my life. In her absence, I feel as if only half of me is alive within my body. The book of my grief poems, titled Viraha, published by Nai Prakashan and launched in my absence on January 11, 2024 (2080 Push 26), depicts how much her loss has wounded me. I have become like a bicycle without one wheel.
We have only one daughter and have never felt sad about not having a son. Our daughter, our only child, has flourished, demonstrating excellence in education, speech, work, and compassion from a young age. She is a perfect daughter to me. Now, as a physician, Dr. Pragya Mishra, our daughter, serves with integrity and compassion, reflecting the values instilled in her. We believe she excels, even compared to many men. I take pride in my daughter’s role as a physician, serving the people with the highest ethics of the medical profession – the life of a doctor is to serve patients selflessly with honesty, love, compassion, and kindness
I have a granddaughter, Asha Adhikari, who excels in everything she does – academics, social service, household chores, family care, and, of course, her affection for me as her grandfather. Recently, she achieved great success by placing first in the Original Oratory speech competition, representing her school in the USA, where she currently resides. She is always admired by people wherever she goes, and I am always impressed by her intelligence, love, kindness, and concern for others.
However, despite our high regard for worshipping our female goddesses–Durga, Laxmi, and Saraswati–and despite our personal achievements, I am disheartened by the persistent gender disparities prevalent in our society.
Recent news published in Ujyalo Unline on February 24, 2024, of a mother and her mother-in-law abandoning a newborn girl at Narayani Hospital, Birgunj, upon learning of her female gender serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted biases against women. Such incidents reflect the low societal regard for women, perpetuating numerous challenges within our country.
Women in our region face multifaceted challenges arising from entrenched cultural norms, social structures, and economic disparities. These challenges include limited access to education, employment discrimination, unequal pay, and pervasive gender-based violence. Education disparity is particularly pronounced, with traditional gender roles prioritizing boys’ education and perpetuating inequality.
In the workforce, women encounter discrimination and are often confined to low-paying jobs with limited prospects for advancement. Additionally, unequal pay further exacerbates economic disparities, trapping women in cycles of poverty. Gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking, remains prevalent due to patriarchal attitudes and societal norms.
The dowry system, a large sum of money that needs to be given to the bridegroom’s family by a compulsion to marry a daughter with their son, is the prime cause of considering the baby girl as a symbol of problem and burden on our part of the region. We, too, have that system, mostly in our Tarai region. The dowry system exacerbates the devaluation of women, burdening families with financial obligations and perpetuating the perception of daughters as liabilities. Addressing these complex issues requires a multifaceted approach involving policy reforms, legal protections, educational investment, and increased awareness.
Empowering women is not merely a matter of human rights but also essential for sustainable development and inclusive societies. As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8, let us not only discuss women’s issues but also take concrete actions to address them. Together, we can strive towards a more equitable and just society for all.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect People’s Review’s editorial stance.
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