Blog 9

Today I came across this news flash: INDIA: Single Women Break Their Silence, Challenge Societal Norms. The article coincided with its bold title. This article took on an introspective view that focused on the poor treatment of widowed Indian women and how some women are standing up for them while challenging cultural ideologies. One woman stated that,” A widow is not treated with respect. At times she is still expected to shave her head, wear extremely simple and course white clothes, forbidden to wear jewelry or make-up, and is forced to eat separately, the food consisting of a frugal vegetarian diet," Jha points out. "Why should widows undergo such tortures? Men don't face such discrimination when their wives die; they just marry again!"( Nitin Jugran Bahuguna) This quote exemplifies how poorly widowed women are treatment in India. There is a deep social stigma that surrounds widowed single women. However, recently six women gathered from different states in India to create a movement for the promotion of Single Women's Rights. This is a huge step for them and this committee of women are “ committed to reviewing and expanding the legislation on women's right to property and ensuring that women would inherit their share from their parents and also their in-laws,"( Nitin Jugran Bahuguna) Also, the site reported , “Amid the difficulties that confront them, the women behind the forum and similar undertakings have made a firm resolve to address these gender inequities.” !"( Nitin Jugran Bahuguna) Overall, even though these women are taking a great risk in speaking out, on a whole they are empowering women all over the world to speak out in the name of justice and equality, which is truly inspiring.


Website Intern Press Service – a communication institution with a global news agency at its core. IPS raises the voices of the south and civil society. IPS tells the story underneath. (http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=48953)