Girls in play mode
Being a woman is not about being diffident, dependent or shy. It’s about being tough, calm and competent. And the laurels won by women sportspersons at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games reinforced this fact. Out of 101 medals, including 38 gold won by India, women bagged 22 medals, including 15 gold and four silver. But does the grand show put forth by these women of caliber spell a change for women in general in the country? Aren’t girls still craving for encouragement to prove their mettle in the field of their choice?
“It’s a great leap ahead for which the credit entirely goes to these new-age women, be it from any background. They have created a road map for girls interested in sports,” says singer and emcee Vandana Vadhera. “Today three of my best friends are into film production, which was earlier considered a male dominated field,” Vandana adds.
In spite of being an emerging global superpower, parents still subtly discriminate against the girl child, and women do succumb to societal pressure. Would the victory to any extent bridge the void between India and Bharat? Interestingly, danseuse Shovana Narayan says that in a typical Indian family, it’s not only the men of the family who are perceived to discourage girls. But the elderly women of the house like grandmothers or an old aunt too join in. “They would want a girl to help in the kitchen, while boys can go out to play,” says Shovana. She adds that these young sportspersons, many of whom are from rural areas, will give suppressed women of our country a new confidence, that if these girls can do it why can’t we? “Also, it will give girls an additional reason to convince their parents and make them believe in their dreams.”
Dr Ranjana Kumari, Director, Centre for Social Research, believes that the credit for the respect and prestige that the Games brought to the country goes to these young women. “In spite of the hurdles they have proved to the entire world that they are capable and can deliver the best,” she says. Look at the composure of a Saina Nehwal or the ferocity of Jwala Gutta while they play on the field.
Artist Alka Raghuvanshi lauds girls from Haryana, a state that may not be economically backward, but is the land of female foeticide and honour killings. “The change has already percolated in the system and these girls have proved that all you need is to believe in your dreams,” she says.
“Women have made a mark in sports like archery, shooting and wrestling. And they have proved they have both physical and mental strength to take up any task. I would urge them to pursue their passion,” says shooting gold medallist Anisa Sayyed.
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