We talk about women empowerment, we organize or participate in rallies, we organize talk shows, and any such programs that help to raise awareness about the welfare of women.

There’s always been a few questions boggling my mind. Are these acts making any difference in society? Are the rallies conducted in the city areas or the programs telecast on television making any difference on the rural areas where even electricity hasn’t reached yet?

Who can guarantee that the principal of a school who strictly implements the rule that there should not be any violence based on gender or any abuse of any student, would not do the same himself, be it in the school compound or at home?

Who can give the assurance that a politician who gives an hour’s speech on ensuring equality to men and women does not point out differences between his own son and daughter back home?

What if a lawyer who helps a woman fight for her rights, would not even be allowing his spouse to go to the vendors? What if a person who walks down the alleys in a rally for providing justice to women, seek for a bride whose family is capable of providing enough dowry to him?

What if a brother who goes for late night parties with his girlfriend does not even allow his sister to talk to her male friends?

What if a child who is taught about various social issues and its impact at school hears a heartwarming laugh of his grandfather on reading the headlines that states “A lady killed by villagers, claiming her to be a witch”?

Both men and women need to self-realize and work on the issues individually first and then together as a whole.

It’s a woman who needs to be strong enough to know her worth. She should realize that she isn’t brought to this world to just give birth and take care of household chores.

She needs to learn that no one else has right to take or impose decisions about her life.

A girl from her early age should be taught that she is the master of her own life and no one can take that power from her, nor her husband nor her brother or her father.

She needs to respect herself and be independent in her thoughts and actions.

One needs to understand that she isn’t a playful material where aggression, anger, or intimidating feelings are taken out on. Instead of teaching boys do not cry, they should be taught that boys don’t make others cry.