Question

In this unit, you have got acquainted with several women characters, both real and ctitious. The following excerpts present their ideas on empowerment. 

“I always compare women to match boxes.” Ashapuma Debi 

Tm the heat that warms the earth, which else were colder than a stone.” Katherine Tynan “I don’t think there is a greater sin that betraying someone’s condence.” Ratna “For what reason should you open my letters? I told you a thousand times not to.” Nomita to Ajit 

“I wish there were some horegallus on the world.” Sudha Murty 

It’s time to create a world where women can meet their potential… and the world will reap the benets.” Christine Lagarde 

Now attempt a comparison of these women with regard to their ideas on being empowered.

Answer 1

There are six women in the above quotations giving their own views on empowerment. Ashapuma Debi thinks that women have a lot of power but they don’t utilise it properly. She feels women are like matchboxes which people keep in their kitchen, pantry,

bedrooms, or even in their pockets. Katherine Tynan is sympathetic and kind. She is the epitome of a good mother, who gives her children unconditional love. SW thinks that only women have the power to give such love and warmth to the family members. Ratna is also sympathetic and she listens to the problems of others.

She never tells the secrets of those who trust her and tell her of their problems. Nomita wants to be independent, but her husband does not allow her to be so. She is severe and resentful of her husband’s behaviour but she can hardly change him. Sudha Murty wants people to be horegallus so that they can share the burden of others. Christine Lagarde wants women to work for meeting their potential. She feels women are denied opportunities in education, jobs and also leadership positions. She is very domineering and she wants women to assert themselves against all kinds of discrimination against them.