WE WOMEN WANT: GENDER DEFINED NURTURING ROLES

This week our topic is the role of the women as a nurturer, both in the workplace and at home. But is she actually appreciated for that? How does a woman feel in this role? Our experts for today are, Dr. Tina Sharma, a national advisor to the MSME Ministry on Public Policy with the Government of India. She is also general secretary at the Mahila Morcha of BJP and pretty vocal on issues pertainning to women and children. We have Dr. Farah Kidwai, a former joint secretary with the DRDO and Dr. Vimal Kumar, an existentialist psychologist with 22 years of experience. Her focus is on mental and emotional welfare.

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Q. Dr. Farah, the role of a woman as a nurturer, how do you see it?

A. These are typical stereotyped expectations, moral or emotional from a woman, but playing this role is at times very taxing for a woman, especially when she has decided to work, become independent, that too in fields that are male dominated. Unfortunately, this is neither appreciated nor acknowledged, nor supported by the people. I think they need more appreciation and mental support from their counterparts to make it less taxing.

Q. We have working women tell us that mother-in-laws say that doesn't matter if you bring an extra financial packet to the table. All they're concerned about is house chores.

A. These are gender divided roles. Women have always been taken for granted. Today we believe in gender parity. There's nothing which a man cannot do. But, these are the things which are expected out of women. Women have taken extra baggages of everything around them because they want a peaceful environment around them.

Q. What is the emotional impact on women for taking these dual roles?