by Burree Sultan 5 October 2023
Stephanie Coontz and Peta Henderson, editors of the renowned book “Women’s Work, Men’s Property: The Origin of Gender and Class,” examine the anthropological, sociological, psychological, and historical dimensions of male dominance. Since the dawn of our species, under the Darwinian conceptualizations of human evolution, male dominance has remained inevitable in this regard. Male chauvinism began with the first economic models created by early human beings, establishing systems of hunting and gathering based on male dominance. Additionally, the agricultural system was also male-dominated at that time. Several theories have attempted to explain this male dominance over females, including sociological theories, cognitive learning behaviors, and the Marxist version of the exploitative system of capitalism, which highlights gender-based disparities.
“In Manipur, there is so much to mourn. Think of the seven-year-old child to a Kuki Father& and a Meitei mother, burnt alive in an ambulance along with his mother crying that we will all die.”
Barkha Dutt, Indian Journalist’s Tweet.
Gender-based disparities are not new in this world. Although the West has witnessed simultaneous improvements in the status of women, there is still a way of progress to be made for Western women as well. This is especially evident in the case of the East, particularly South Asia. Current events in the age of social media shed light on the horrific situation in South Asia, despite its rich and dynamic history. Tragic incidents like those in Manipur are happening. The whole of South Asia is facing the scourges of this menace irrespective of the different ideological basis, religious groundings, and diverse kinds of cultures. There is no denying the fact that there is a lot need of for improvisation in the rights of women in the West which is a new model for the globe to follow the rights of women. There must be equity-based freedom for everyone without distinction in their religions, cultures, and ideologies. The West also needs to give an equity-based approach to give rights to women like dressing can’t define the spectrum of women’s rights, similarly, the particular code of conduct is to follow against the basic rights of everyone under democracy.
Manipur, a northeastern state of India with a border area with Myanmar, has historical roots entwined with conflicts between different groups like the Kuki and Meite, one Hindu-based and the other Christian-based in religion. Over the last two months, clashes have reignited, wreaking havoc on the lives of common people. According to reports from The Delhi Express, around 142 people have been killed, and 17 are still missing. The incident became even more horrifying when women were raped and filmed naked on the road by a group of violent men. Such events shatter the notions of modern civilization and societal progress. This is mob mentality, especially of the male dominance. Male Chauvinism is not a novel concept in the South Asian states. It is darkened in the roots of the societies, despite the fact there are religious values, cultural norms, and enhanced and suffocated urbanization but still, there are some areas in South Asia where the same practices are being optioned as in the old ages against women.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, as women have been subjected to similar darkness many times, especially in South Asia. Multiple cases of rape have been reported in India, with Delhi being known as the rape capital of the world. However, the level of hatred and violence displayed in these incidents showcases the uncivilized and illiterate nature of the mob, particularly concerning male illiteracy. Myanmar presents another case study in this regard, where, according to a Human Rights Watch report, 60,000 people fled from Burma to save their lives. Surviving women in Bangladesh were interviewed, and out of 52, 28 women were brutally raped multiple times. While Pakistan is no exception to violence against women, such widespread mob violence and gang rapes are not common. The honor killings case in Pakistan is the worst example of it, similarly, there are cases of domestic abuse which are very common even in the sophisticated areas of Pakistan.
The question arises: why and what are the real causes behind this mentality of mob violence against women in South Asian states? History reveals that such acts have occurred elsewhere, but Western societies have managed to overpower and overcome the monotonous position of women. One of the main causes behind such hatred and violent behavior is the division in society, where men from other communities fail to consider women as human beings. This is evident in the case of Rohingya Muslim women and the Manipur incident, where historical, social, and religious animosity existed between communities. Another significant cause is the lack of quality education in South Asia. Despite the region’s relatively high literacy rate of 81%, there is a wide gap between merely reading a book and understanding its true spirit. The disparity in quality education is stark, and graduates from prestigious institutions like LUMS, UET, and QAU in Pakistan cannot be compared to those from remote local colleges in Manipur.
In conclusion, there is an urgent need to reform the education system so that everyone can gain a fundamental understanding of life’s morals. Women can only achieve their rightful status when they attain prosperity and economic independence. Economic independence empowers women and grants them freedom. South Asian governments must take decisive actions to prevent such heinous acts in the future. There is an entire need for the developed states to engage these states in enhancing the rights of women, especially international institutions can play a vital role in this respective to enhance the overall scenario of women’s rights. The MNCs were unsuccessful in this regard. While ultimately no SNCs are being utilized there are fewer progressive achievements in this region as well. The hopes are alive and there will be progress shortly in the rights of women around the globe as well as in South Asia in particular.