A Disturbing Conversation in Delhi Metro
Rajkumari Sharma Tankha
Heard a woman talking so loudly on her handphone in Delhi Metro on a Monday morning. This woman, in her late thirties or early forties, was talking to her friend about someone, may be her sister-in-law. From what I could gather from the forcible evesdropping (she was so loud, I couldn’t help not hearing) it seemed the sister-in-law had delivered her second child, a girl. This woman was not only pitying her s-i-l but also boasting about how she herself has two sons, and is ‘settled for life’, has got ‘prestige’ in the family for having borne only males.
When Motherhood Is Measured by a Male Child
I was an unwilling listener to the entire conversation, sitting right next to her. It left me dejected, depressed, and honestly, spoiled my entire day. Quite some time has passed since I heard the conversation but I still cannot fathom how a woman can think like this.
It is so very sad that even in this day and age, a woman’s position in the family is judged by whether or not she bears a male child.
Women Judging Women: A Harsh Reality
But here, I am not talking about in-laws or husbands who prefer sons. I am more concerned about young mothers who carry this mindset themselves.
Is it not enough for a woman that she has delivered a healthy baby? Why do some women feel disappointed or even depressed if they don’t have a son? Do you like living life burdened with such complexes?
Why Is a Baby Girl Still Undervalued?
A baby, a boy or a girl, is a beautiful creation of God. Why compare the two or disrespect one for the other.
Tell me, ladies—is a baby girl not your own flesh and blood? Do you consider yourself lesser than your husband? If yes, why? And if not, why make your daughter’s life difficult?
Breaking the Myth of ‘Prestige’ in Bearing Sons
C’mon ladies, I don’t have to tell you about the skewed sex ratios, the importance of girls, the feats a girl can achieve, even the fact that it is girls who take care of their parents in old age rather than boys. I won’t go into the touchy-sticky details of this, but you all know it is a fact. So, why abhor a girl. Give her love and respect and see the magnificent flower she blooms into.
Respect the Gift of Parenthood
Another thing I would like to say to you is before you start denigrating your baby girl, remember there are scores of people who do not have even a single child of their own; think of those who would go to any length just to have one being of their own flesh and blood.
So people, respect what you have. Consider yourself lucky to have become biological parents and cherish the new life that has come to this world through you.
Time to Change the Mindset
It’s time we change this mindset. A child is a blessing—no matter the gender.
