There are many among us who take baby steps and celebrate birthdays, year after year. Then there are those who are born on a certain date in a leap year!

Symbols and taglines are not enough

Reflect on this analogy. I personally think it is high time that we stop making insignificant moves in this direction every year. To me, this subject needs a leapfrog movement in terms of mindset. Something  as special must be at the epicentre of things. Of course, while many might say it is symbolic, I think it’s the start of a movement. A movement that all of us including you and me need to begin. 

Why? Because 8th March can no longer be merely about symbols!  It can no longer be just about taglines. We have to move away from that. At a fundamental level, whether we talk about #breakthebias, equality, or equity, the world needs a paradigm shift.

A leapfrog movement

I didn’t choose to be born a boy. Nor did I choose to grow up to be a man. However, when I read about things taking place all over the world; the manner in which our sisters, daughters and mothers are being treated, it pains my heart to no end. 

Society and Culture form the fundamental tenets of how gender bias - especially against women - plays out. Therefore, on the eve of Women’s Day this year, I would like to share my beliefs on this subject with all of you. 

Historically (and sadly), men have ruled women in every sphere of life. We have read this in stories about Kings and their relationship with the women in their life. We have perhaps observed this in the male-female dynamic between our grandparents and our parents. And a flavour of this has been visible at the workplace too. 

Undoubtedly, with each successive generation, things have somewhat improved, even if relatively so. However, it is time to leapfrog. To take giant leaps that lead to significant changes. Time for us to let the social fabric binding us know that we are no longer going to be content with equality; that we aim to leapfrog to the other end of the spectrum!

Why is it that when a woman gets married, she needs to change her surname? How would it be if men had to adopt and embrace the surname of their wife’s family? 

How would it feel if men were to be a “ghar jamai” (Son-in-law staying at the home of his wife’s family)? 

What if every single man who got married, had to walk into the house of his wife and embrace a new identity? 

How would it be if the woman didn't have to do all the household chores and the man had to do it while keeping a full-time job, while listening to all the brickbats from different stakeholders? 

How would it be, if, we didn’t just sit and read this, but embrace it too? 

The day a significant number of men begin embracing and accepting this somewhat radical perspective is the day when we will not only put ourselves in the shoes of our women but will also leapfrog into an entirely different paradigm. And perhaps, after a decade or so once we’ve taken that leap in the opposite direction, let us talk about equality. 

I might sound like a revolutionist. The fact is I am extremely passionate about this topic. If I was a woman, I would have said the same thing. I am a man and I echo that thought, because that is how I think. That is what I believe. 

I hope my article leaves you with somethings to think about. It might seem utopian, perhaps even idealistic. And some might wonder whether it is even practical. However, I believe if we want to change the narrative, we have to stop limiting ourselves to symbolic stuff that appeals to taglines for a day or a month during the year. We need to make quantum shifts in the way we think, the way we work, and the way we interact on a daily basis across genders. Remember, it is behaviour that actually defines the mindset, and more importantly, the intent!

With this, I wish every woman out there, of all ages, a very Happy Women’s Day not just today but everyday. Let’s celebrate the human race.