Water

Lucky are those who get clean water and unlucky those who do not realize its worth. Recently, I watched an advertisement by the non government organization, actionaid, on water wives. The advertisement showed how in certain villages, a man goes on to marry three, four or even more women, so as to ensure that there is somebody to fetch water. Termed as 'water wives', it narrates the story of water scarcity as well as gender injustice. It says it is easier to shout feminism but harder to see the ground realities. Where basic necessities are scarce, gender justice is a far cry. Water is life, it is freedom. Clean water that is easily accessible frees time wasted in fetching it from far away places. Easily available water gives opportunity to women and girls  to do more productive work and to study. It provides gender  equality. Water is undoubtedly the most important commodity, and having easy access to the same is truly a blessing. Water conservation needs special attention so do the efforts to provide clean water to masses living in poverty.

Women and work

It is always an issue whether a woman goes out for work or not. A working mother is often blamed for neglecting her children and house while a stay at home mother is blamed for sitting at home and doing nothing. Recently, even a court went to the extent of calling a woman who doesn't have a job, a parasite on her husband's earnings. Is a woman who is a homemaker really a parasite? She cooks and cleans and provides for the comfort of her family. Her entire day is spent seeing that her home is running perfectly and that her family is happy. Is she really a parasite? She takes care of her children, listens to their problems, teaches them, takes care of all their needs. Is she really a parasite? She sees to the comforts of her husband and often all her inlaws as well as extended family, she tolls all day, unpaid and unappreciated. Is she really a parasite? After working all day long, taking care of everyone and everything, she gets greeted by you are just a housewife, what do you do all day. It is what she does all day that allows everyone else to go out and work or study. She manages everything from behind. Whether a woman has a job or not is her choice. Just because she has made certain life choices does not give anyone a right to judge her or demean her. It is her life and her work. The way she manages it is commendable.