Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Issue link: http://horizons.epubxp.com/i/623149
10 O Lord, why have you not given Woman the right to conquer her destiny? Why does she have to wait, Head bowed, by the roadside, Waiting with tired patience, Hoping for a miracle on the morrow? —Rabindranath Tagore 1 T his quote from one of India's most famed poets beautifully and sadly describes the status of women in India. While many Indian women have worked boldly for women's equality, the religious and cultural traditions that have marginalized and harmed women are powerful. So powerful that it often seems it indeed will take a miracle for women to have the safety, health, opportunity and status that Indian men enjoy. In truth, gender-based discrimination is so deeply rooted in most cultures that the discrimination is often not per- ceived. Throughout history, women have been denied basic human rights when people accept and internalize harmful teachings from their cultural and religious institutions. Even when society legislates equality, women still have less eco- nomic, political and social power. Religious Subjugation The Muslim conquest in India brought the practice of purdah, segregation between women and men who are not family. This practice has implications for women's relation- ships, as well as their economic well-being. In some parts of India, Hindus, as well as Muslims, practice purdah. Historically, Hinduism called for a female to be dedi- cated to a temple. These devadasi were often women or girls from lower castes, who, once essentially enslaved by the tem- ple, were exploited sexually by the priests and upper-caste temple members. While this practice has been banned, it continues. In addition to the 40,000 women in the Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Provinces who are devadasi, chil- dren of these women are adversely affected by stigma, a lack of legally recognized fathers and poverty. 2 Other religions—including Buddhism, Jainism and Christianity—prescribe a more liberal view of women. In India, women in these traditions generally have easier access to education and are more often understood to be equally entitled with men to God's grace. Graffitti, Cheryl Braganza. Imkaan—a United Kingdom-based, black feminist organization dedicated to addressing violence women and girls—commissioned this art. The painting was a part of a 2006 conference in London to raise awareness about honor killings and violence against women. See more of Cheryl's work at www.cherylbraganza.com. Violence nd Discri in tion Ag inst Wo en in Indi BY SUSHMA RAMSWAMI