Voices that WHISPER

Sanitary napkins- How many of us do not know about this? We think we all, but is it true??

So my todays post is about Women Hygeine & Health, which is still a serious concern in our country. Lets VOICE this concern our way- but with a Whisper - one of the popular brand for sanitary napkins. 

A survey on Women's health under cleanliness campaign in Madhya Pradesh highlighted some shocking facts- (source: www.dainikbhaskar.com)

1. 88% females in the region do not use sanitary napkins

2. 70% of the women suffer from related infections and cant afford a proper treatment & even cant afford napkins too.

3. 1.4 crores new cases of infection registered every year.

4. 30% girls leave school as their menstruation starts.

5. 64% physicians believe that sanitary napkins help prevent cervical cancer.

later M.P - Chief minister announced a campaign where free napkins would be distributed. First phase would start with free distribution via vending machines in school, college and hostels.

This is a bitter reality which WE are not realizing. We being the modern women-educated & aware has the responsibility to train and educate ignorant illiterate women around us. 

I don't think we might have even discussed or tried to find the realty behind what poor women in our society are facing in day to day life. So its high time, lets start it from our home; at least with our maids and their girls. Looking into the taboo associated with menstrual cycles in Indian society, our women usually hesitate to even discuss their problems.We need to understand that this concern should have a 'voice' not 'whisper'.

Womanhood- Would i pray reborn as a woman again?

Hi Girls,

You all would be wondering, where was i these past days...No posts? No updates?

Well, these are phases of a my life where blogging is my passion, an outlet of my feelings & views. So i am today sharing some of experiences (of being a woman) which made me think- Would i like reborn as a woman again? 

You all must be thinking that i am going negative...No, i'm not. its about self- introspection.

Instance #1

The friendly smiling face in my neighborhood and exchange of  our traditional dishes- mine marwari ones with her Sindhi ones bonded us. The old lady who is an ideal indian woman - expert home maker, loving mother and caring partner. But ignoring her very 'self', like most indian women, bearing yet ignorant- with the deep lying cause of her pain and agony. That Report showing the possible malignant cells doubled that chest pain by fear & shock. Sadly her years of love & care was punified against that huge medical bill. This was a woman who gave her whole life to her family with that selfless love and care and now......

Instance #2

Cooking in a rush to catch with office time, i was feeling the pain, still ignoring it. But of no use, took some pills and a hot water bag to relax and relieve the pain. By the evening, pain increased and pills, injectibles were rendered useless. it was 2:30 pm midnight, after series of tests, the doctor declared- its Ectopic Pregnancy. yes, for those who dont know, its a medical condition where the foetus develops outside uterus, like fallopian tube. The tube being too narrow to handle the increasing foetus may burst and probably may have serious consequences. I was operated on time and saved. My loving & supporting husband- who was there, always with me, helped me recover soon and i was so thankful to God for giving me this amazing family.

I was a few among those few lucky ones to have a this adorably loving & caring family. 

Instance #3

Surprised to see, One of my friends from my neighborhood, crying with pain sitting at her husband's back on his bike. I inquired & came to know that she is trying for a 3rd baby. The amicable lady with a loving husband, blessed with pretty daughters. Chirpy, outgoing and amiable to be friend with every women in the society has lost that usual smile of hers. Could easily understand that it was that 'social pressure', her duty to bring an heir- male, for her family. Her self acclaimed 'Liberal' In Laws were completely indifferent to her pain and distress of going through 'those' tests. 

But this whole series of events, made me think, is our womanhood - which gives us those special abilities to bring a new life to this world and our inborn qualities to nurture the family with that selfless love, compassion and care is our curse? taken for granted by our own people around. I would say, we women are also culprits in a way,raising this society. 

Is that what we women deserve? 

But I strongly believe, No- its a blessing, a boon that i am born with this power, with these special abilities. I would surely like reborn a woman, every of my birth & would always thank God for that.

Being the Integral part of this society which we women have given birth to- i will be the one to bring the change i want to.

 i resolve to bring that change my way. I would mould the new generation to respect and care for women. My Son would be the one to give women her due respect and position in the society.

Happy Woman's Day to all of you!

Female Modernism or Chauvinism???....Ad by Titan Raga

Hi Girls,

With the dropping temperatures and chilling waves around, a weekend afternoon with a cup of hot coffee,  all you need is a good movie to watch. While Father-Son was out for thier shopping, cozying up myself on the couch sipping the hot Cappuccino , i switched on the TV in a mood to spend the eve watching a nice hindi classic romance.

The first view, an ad- a women (Nimrit kaur) waiting at airport cafeteria for probably her ex (lover/husband)....not willing to watch but...a new ad & it hardly takes few secs...so!!!

This was a TV Commercial from Titan Raga, (+Titan Watches )their new line of watches for women; highlighting #HerLifeHerChoices..

The Ad made me little uneasy and compelled to think , probably because i could not identify myself with it. All i could gather was that they represented a 'Modern' woman who prefers being committed to herself than to her relations.... Then RAGA watch symbolising the new relation with 'herself' or should i say 'her lone self'. Was that Modernism or Chauvinism?

Obviously choices would be ours but not at cost of other's choices and dreams.

Saying 'No' to a relation for a Career is no crime for a woman but expecting your partner to sacrifice is not a solution. Modernism does not mean being self centered. Holding a  self appreciating relationship can never define a modern woman...at least i am not convinced. 

To Me,  Modern women is one who manages personal and professional front well while staying as strong support to her partner. I am also a working women but then i am a mother and a wife too; holding a family and an awesome relationship with my spouse & kid. Mutual respect and freedom strengthens our bond. 

That reminds me of my grocery selling woman...the lady wearing sari with pallu and big bindi & a deep long line of sindoor on her head adorned with all the traditional symbols of her marriage from her bangle laden wrist to her toe rings depicted the very traditional indian woman but dragging her cart with her toddler sitting on it too. She is also a 'working' independent woman but a responsible one. Isn't she a modern women? what if she is not highly educated to operate a laptop like me. But yes she is an integral part of the young modern society, nurturing the new generation with her hands.

To me , Modern women is Mary Kom, who again is a wife, a dedicated mother who never sacrificed her dreams neither escaped from her very 'womanly' responsibilities Still she is successful career oriented women with #HerLifeHerChoices. Its not only her efforts but her spouse's too, made India proud of her. This is what i call evolution of modern Indian Women- independent, confident and self assertive.

Born and brought up in India with Indian Values, I strongly believe that cherishing, respecting and caring for my relations is all what i am....Cant run away from my responsibilities towards my family, my society and my country. I need to return and rejoice with my people around.

yes, its My Life My Choices...but not in seggregation.

What do you think is Modern Woman all about? Would love to know your views.