WOMEN AND CAREERS-Empowering themselves

There are several factors why women today are seeking various professions; the initial one is that women themselves are emancipated and have left their predecessors far behind; numerous restrictions and taboos have been discarded for further evaluation; they are in the forefront and are able to compete with men in every field except those requiring manual labour. Women are shining in spheres requiring intelligence and are playing their part with merit and honour.

Education has brought enlightenment, application, competence; with a woman’s innate patience and perseverance, it has given her the fillip and skill to take up any profession and tackle any problems arising therein.

Education is one of the finest weapons we have; an educated woman makes a good wife and a mother, she can teach and educate her children to be responsible citizens, instilling in them all the finer qualities, which only education can give. A liberality of outlook and soundness of judgment are the assets to be derived from education.

Another contributing factor is the economic ‘crisis’ that faces everyone today. Women, in particular, have to battle against heavy odds on the domestic front and supplement the family budget. The increased cost of living and skyrocketing prices demand the pooling of resources and it is but fair for women to share a little of the burden, and help the main breadwinner. And with children, the demands are endless.

Besides, today’s generation is well-groomed and smartly turned out. Cosmetics are an essential feature of this ‘process’, and also a good range of apparel, with all the accessories which go with it. All this needs money. A woman gets a special thrill and the feeling of elation that cannot be matched when she can earn and spend!

All these demands can be met only with sufficient means, and so more and more women have taken to a vocation or a side-line that is remunerative and satisfying.

INNER URGE

Women are turning to professions because of a very important reason—a woman’s urge to ‘do something’. They do not wish to stagnate, to be left out of the fast-moving world of today. The world has shrunk with quick means of communication and travel. Women are restless with that inner urge, to put their minds to something. The average housewife of today is educated, her mind has opened out, often she is talented.

We come to the conclusion that women do not only work but need to work for reasons of earning a remuneration and keeping themselves busy.