women at work

Woman at lower strata of society work at tremendous pressure add to that patriarchy, consumerism, abusive relations, taking care of children and then there is unforeseen circumstances. It can break normal person. These are amazing women whom I have admired. Unorganized sector has largest woman from this strata, unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be much safeguard against exploitation. I have seen them at very close quarters. Like these old ladies whom I kept staring as a kid who made papadams day after day, women who keep beating coconut into pulp to turn into coir or women who involved in agarbatti making (in bangalore) and so on. It is not easy. This is the case all around the world.

I have nothing against city based woman politicians or feminist leaders. When I was in my college first year there was this girl probably in her third year who was a fiery speaker and used to speak lots of things in meeting in particular on gender issues. I also vaguely remember her article in college magazine. I absolutely loved her, it was quite refreshing to my thinking. She was one of those committed types (from poorer section of society). I saw her few years back pushing her kid into crowded city bus. I felt sad for her looking at her grim face. People like her would never be able to avail any of the incentives from the government. They are not manipulative or greedy. They act in their daily life and situation they face (wonder what happened to anganwadi worker whose hands were chopped of), and pass on to the next generation. The reservation for woman unless with clause on necessary participation at grass root (read panchayat) will be misused and is a dangerous that need be resisted. Auntijis (as also unclejis…in case one is classified as sexist) in richer section can mug up few theories and can speak right things but are incapacitated to represent common people. They can fight in their own right but no reservations. They are not victims and the moves to play victim for millions is tardy attempt on greed for power. It is arrogant elitism masquerading feminism. Nor are they specifically positioned to understand woman better, there are many men in history and in contemporary world who can understand gender issues as much if not better.