(Acrylic Buddha painting-Anu@lafemina)
Thinking what Buddha got to do with gender equality..??? Hmm.. even I didn’t have much clues, when I did this painting. Later on, in my research I figured out that my thoughts on gender equality goes in parallel with Buddhism. Which means, even if Buddhism teaches and practice gender equality they don’t like to be categorized as FEMINIST.. Like Buddhist believes, I also accept the biological differences in both gender. i.e. they cannot be EQUAL. Or can’t be compared to each other on any basis. However, this doesn’t makes a fundamental difference between men or women. Every one should be treated as HUMANS…just humans.
How many of our religions consider women as a highest priest..? But, according to Mahayana Buddhist every one is treated equally because of their Buddhist nature-i.e., ability to become Enlighted irrespective of their culture, race ,gender or flashback. According to Buddhist Canon, women are capable of reaching nirvana as men. Well, this is what google says, lets hope they truly practice this equality in their life as well.
Now coming back to the core topic, While closely observing modern feminism on a larger scale, I think it focus on “more rights ” rather than “equal rights”. Do you think this is fair..? We must understand the fact that there are certain things that sometimes men and other times women may excel. Gender equality doesn’t seeks for reservations anywhere just because you’re a woman. And there should be an authority to check every position/seats should be given to the deserved ones.
When I was a teenager I always wondered, while majority of the academic toppers are women what holds them back when progressing through their career path..? Why most of the successful person are men..? The answer is simple as this cartoon.(please bear with one of my messy drawings..)

I have also heard of stories where companies hesitate to hire a female candidate because of the maternity leaves and benefits they have to provide..! I think here comes the importance of paternity leaves practiced here in some western countries.
Feminism should be a urge of every woman who witness female feticide, early marriage, rape, molestation, dowry, body shaming etc.. Feminism is the belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. The ultimate goal of feminism is to challenge the systemic inequalities women face on a daily basis in our society. Bashing male counterpart for personnel gains in the name of feminism should be questioned.. Once a woman start working under the label of a feminist, she forgets/the circumstances forces her to forget about she is working towards female empowerment and equal rights.. She alone is not responsible for this , that’s how the society projects a feminist.
In our society men also faces certain kind of inequalities. But not as consequential as women, I guess..! Like, they’re more accountable for a families financial status, he’s supposed to be more bold and brave, even society don’t want HIM to cry/to be emotional in public…! A true feminist will stand for quality, irrespective of gender.. for me that’s feminism. In short, Men and women are just like wheels of a bicycle, if both works hand-in-hand we will have a smooth ride. Nothing more nothing less..!!
You may be wondering why I choose ‘gender equality’ for title rather than feminism, and hope now you have the answer. I stand for quality not under the banner of a feminist.
Okay , now let me hear your stand on Feminism. What’s your definition of equality..??share your thoughts in the comment box below..
thank you ,Anu@lafemina.