Society expects women to do everything but fails to respect them: NCW chief
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NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has called for a societal shift to stop overburdening women with domestic and professional expectations. She advocates for shared parenting and institutional support to ensure motherhood does not hinder women's career progression.
Redefining Societal Expectations for Women
National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has recently brought to the forefront a critical dialogue regarding the multifaceted burden placed upon women in modern society. Her comments highlight a systemic paradox where women are expected to be the pillars of both the domestic and professional spheres—managing household chores, providing emotional labor, and achieving financial independence—yet continue to face widespread discrimination and a lack of fundamental respect.
The Burden of 'Everything'
Rahatkar notes that society functions on the unspoken assumption that women are the default caregivers and supporters, whether in the role of mother, wife, sister, or daughter. This expectation creates a 'triple burden' of labor that is often invisible and uncompensated. While governments have implemented various legislative measures to protect women, the NCW chief emphasizes that legal frameworks alone are insufficient. True progress requires a fundamental shift in the collective mindset that currently views women’s contributions as a given rather than a choice or a collaborative effort.
Motherhood and Career Continuity
One of the most significant barriers to women’s workforce participation is the 'motherhood penalty.' Rahatkar has explicitly stated that motherhood should not come at the cost of a woman's career. By framing child-rearing as an equal responsibility of both parents, she challenges traditional gender roles that sequester domestic duties to women. This perspective is vital for addressing the attrition of women from the workforce during their mid-career years, a phenomenon that often stifles gender diversity in leadership roles.
Institutional Support and Shared Responsibility
To bridge the gap between policy and practice, Rahatkar advocates for stronger institutional support mechanisms, specifically highlighting the importance of childcare leave. Such policies are not merely 'perks' but essential infrastructure that allows women to balance professional aspirations with family responsibilities. By normalizing shared parenting, the burden of care is redistributed, allowing both parents to contribute to the household and the economy without compromising their personal or professional growth.
Future Trends and Societal Transformation
Moving forward, the focus must shift from merely protecting women via statutes to actively creating an ecosystem that respects their autonomy. This involves a dual approach: policy interventions that mandate paternity leave and flexible work environments, alongside a social campaign to de-stigmatize men taking active roles in domestic and caregiving tasks. If these cultural and institutional changes are realized, India could see a significant increase in female labor force participation and a more equitable society where women are not expected to compromise their identity for the sake of societal function.
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