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Is Pay Parity for Women Justiable?

Viraj Rathod (FYJC)

Equality of genders is a modern concept and has been raging for
some time now. In the yesteryears it was an article of faith that
women were subservient to men and were glad and happy to play
their role at home and to preside over the destiny of the household.
They were happy to bring up a healthy family and see their sons
and daughters well placed in life. They looked after many chores
of the house and it came naturally to them. However, in the recent
decades more and more women are seen to be stepping outside
their homes to seek careers and having become aware about their
potential women have begun to demand equal wages for the same
work that men do.
Earlier women were looked upon for long as being the weaker gender who were to be protected by men, even
though history has abundant examples of extraordinary women who have reigned over empires and decided the
fate of countries and communities; made scientific inventions and discoveries; mastered commerce and
business; contributed their mite towards arts and crafts and so forth.
The case against pay parity for women is that they are physically weak and so cannot do the same quantum of
work as men; they are physically vulnerable and cannot stay out till late hours; there are biological factors
related to motherhood etc. Nonetheless, women are usually observed to be more efficient, meticulous and neat;
they are usually not as easily distracted as their male counterparts and they are less argumentative, abusive and
violent. By and large less women are also seen to be less prone to vices than men. And, physical might is not the
only thing – because of their nimble fingers and focused concentration women are preferred employees in
certain industries such as assembling electronic items that require fine work, as well as in professions such as
teaching because of their general patience and better understanding of child psychology.
Societal mindset needs to change. Men and women have different abilities and capabilities which are neither
superior nor inferior to one another. There is a natural division of labour, not competition which should be
accepted and respected to enhance the social fabric. Yes and why not? Pay parity for women is absolutely
justifiable.

Wake Up and Find Your Worth

Shivani Chouhan (S.Y.B.Com.)

Shedding tears won't help; you'll have to get up and help yourself
And show yourself not to others, but to yourself
You are alive; you have courage; you have dedication
Go ahead, wake up and find your worth.

If things are off-beat, no matter
If you face a setback, no matter
Breathe deep and long; stay strong
Go ahead, wake up and find your worth.

HINDUJA HORIZONS 2020 67
2021