For the longest time, women have been fighting for representation in different fields and have since come a long way, so much so that there are now websites like She The People and The Ladies Finger that solely focus on representing these female heroes and covering important gender issues. Despite the tedious journey that women have faced, the process continues as they still aren’t seen as equal when compared to their male counterparts. While the progression towards gender neutrality seems be moving at snail’s pace, women from different fields share the challenges they continue to face on this long journey.
Delhi-based singer and music composer Runki Goswami feels that it will take a while for the film industry to start accepting women directors. “The remuneration paid to female artistes is far less than what male artistes get. Also, I feel the appearance of a woman is given more importance than her talent. However, women of today know what they want. They know how to pursue their passions and it’s really heartening to see so many good women musicians around.”
On the other hand, Janani Iyer opines, “We have come a long way from where we were (in terms of gender neutrality) –— thanks to social media and other stuff. A lot of people are more educated when it comes to issues like this. But if you ask me about one aspect I would like to change, it is pay gap. There still is no equal payment — an actor is still paid more. It might also be due to the fact that ‘he’ is the selling point. So I feel more female-oriented movies should start coming out.” When asked if she has witnessed any kind of progress, from the time she started out, the actress says, “I think it has been good. For a person who has absolutely no filmy background, it’s been a smooth journey. I have no complaints.”
‘The fight for yourself’ kind of attitude is something that many women have. They fight against all odds to achieve what they want, and don’t believe in lamenting about things they were denied.
“I believe that women are conditioned in such a way in growing up years that many of them lack the decision-making power. We are always taught to look up to men to make decisions for us and follow lead. I think if a woman breaks that mindset, there is nothing stopping her,” says prominent nutritionist Shikha Sharma. “I always take things in my stride. Women should learn to take risks. While it is all ingrained in us due to the way we are brought up, it is very important to break this cycle,” she adds.
No change happens overnight, according to Dr. Zulfia Shaikh, who feels like we are definitely heading in the right direction. “It takes years to win a war and centuries, for a cultural pattern to change. Things are looking better in urban scenarios as compared to the rural sectors. Not only women, but men too are starting to recognise the capabilities of women in all fields,” says the theatre personality and founder of the Bangalore School of Speech and Drama.
Though she thinks we are heading in the right direction, comedienne Sumukhi Suresh believes that inequality lies in the audience. “I get asked why I do women centric shows and my only response to that is, every audience is male centric! Another time, somebody told me I was the funniest female comedian, and I know they meant it in a good way but I want to be the best comedian there is, not just in the female section. Even in terms of comedy, crassy jokes are ok if they come from men, but the second I make one, I’m greeted with silence. Even my mom is not okay with the jokes I make. Changing the mindset of older generation is yet another task we need to focus on, because they come from a different time and it’s going to be harder, understandably,” says the comedienne who reveals that she is also worried for the tier-two cities.
(With inputs from Sneha Kalra)
