The inevitable destiny
Mathangi Kalithas is a 20 year old Indian lady. She is an active University student. She joins lots of International programs and cultural exchange tours which help her to build up a global horizon. However, she still has to suffer from the paternity system. Her freedom is limited by her parents and social norms. She does not have a choice to be what she wants in the future.
“My parents are allowing me to study, but they also have said that I would not be allowed to work after my studies just because I am a female. “said by Mathangi. Yet, her brother can get to study whatever he wants for any number of years and then work because he is a male. Mathangi thinks it is really unfair because gender should be treated equally. Even in 21st century, women are still facing a secondary status. Traditional norms and culture are still playing a crucial role in hindering the growth of women. India, in her views, needs a change on gender inequality.
She uses Indian marriage norms as an example. In the current system, female Indian must follow parents’ order to marry others. Besides, the female families have to pay marriage expenses for the male as well. Mathangi has a totally different mindset about this. She could accept the age old practice of arranged marriage, but only when the bride and the groom have a choice to accept or reject the proposal made by their parents. In case of the marriage expenses, Mathangi insists both the bride and the grooms must equally contribute towards the financial expense of the marriage. “Be it the groom’s side or the bride’s side, no one should give money to other because marriage is not a business where a bride or a groom is bought with money.” Said by Mathangi.
Not only marriage, but also could not decide their future by themselves. Mathangi shares a story of her friends who were studying in medical major. There are more medical graduates while very few practice. She knows few women who have graduated as doctors but have not gone ahead to practice because of their family restrictions. Families think that they should only marry some other guys not being excellent well in the society. Education is just a method to increase their marriage values. Luckily, this trend is changing with more female doctors practicing in very recent years. Her school senior friends can opt to continue practicing medicine.
Actually, Mathangi is facing these two situations now. She hopes she could plan her career ahead for her future. She understands that different generations have different perspectives on this issue. The difference in opinion would arise when the younger generation tries to adapt to the worldly changes and the older generation try to hold on to the age old practices of culture and tradition. Therefore, she will try to convince her parents. “It may not effective, but I can still simply stand against the framed norms.” Said by Mathangi.
Written by Kwok Ka Lim