The phrase "it’s a man-made world" has echoed through history for centuries. For generations, women across the globe faced systematic oppression and suppression. While many often perceive this as a specifically Indian dilemma, a closer look at global history reveals a universal struggle.
A Universal History of Struggle
Even in nations now considered "progressive," the fight for basic rights was long and arduous. In the United States, women were not granted the Right to Vote until 1919 with the passage of the 19th Amendment. The difference lies not in the history of oppression, but in the speed of evolution. While the Western world began adopting new social philosophies in the early nineteenth century, India remained entangled in complex internal social issues and the weight of colonial influence.
Societal taboos like the dowry system became synonymous with the Indian experience. Other controversial practices, such as Sati or child marriage, remain points of intense historical debate—specifically regarding whether they were indigenous customs or distortions introduced during eras of invasion. Regardless of their origin, these issues occupied the national consciousness while the rest of the world began to pivot toward a new social order.
The Shift: From Suppression to Special Privilege
As the world sought to rectify the wrongs of the past, the pendulum began to swing. In an effort to uplift those who were historically marginalized, modern society transitioned into an era of "special privileges" for women and children.
While the intent behind these protections is noble—seeking to provide safety and opportunity where there was once none—a new question has emerged: At what cost does this progress come?
The Forgotten Concept of Equality
There is a growing sentiment that in our rush to provide special status to one gender, we have inadvertently marginalized another. True equality should not be a zero-sum game. When special privileges are granted at the direct cost of the male gender, we are not achieving equality; we are simply shifting the imbalance.
A century ago, the world was unequal because women were oppressed. Today, many argue the world remains unequal because the fundamental concept of "equality for all" has been replaced by preferential treatment. We have blurred the thin line between providing a "leg up" to the oppressed and maintaining a fair playing field for everyone.
Moving Toward a Balanced Future
Social targets are essential for a developing civilization, but they must be achieved without sacrificing the dignity or rights of any individual based on their gender. To build a truly progressive society, we must return to the core definition of equality.
We must ask ourselves: When does privilege stop being a tool for justice and start becoming a new form of inequality? It is time to move past the cycle of suppression and privilege, and finally strive for a world that is equal for everyone.
Author is a advocate
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