A tribute to the Women in our lives!
Having just returned from Sri Lanka after 2 lovely months with friends and family never have I been more aware of the gender stereo typing existing in the little Isle of ours! I once the youngest of a female dominated household have now been trumped by 3 others, our 3 beautiful daughters (between me and my only sister). It has been a wonderful experience so far and they bring us (the parents and grandparents) immense joy (and hard work!!). Looking back, unanimously we say we certainly wouldn’t have it any other way.
However what saddens me are the generous comments (even by so called educated beings and women themselves) we get on the announcement of our latest addition. To quote but a few “Oh, you’ll have to try again for a son” “The family is not complete yet is it?”, “Now it is the other ones turn to try and give the grand parents a grand son” “Sons are permanent, daughters go away”. What happened to “How lovely and many congratulations!!” or something along such positive lines!
Added to this are the worrying reports in the media that sex selective abortions are on the rise in the UK and India is the most dangerous place for a baby girl to be born. Apparently the sex selective abortions in India have driven to cause a significant deficit of Women in their population.
Looking at no other than the women in our own lives I fail to understand why the female gender is viewed this way! However I understand that contributing to such unjust attitudes are certain cultural, mythical and religious beliefs. But why make it so complicated?
To most of us our mothers are the epitome of loving, giving, strong human beings who sacrifice so much for their own families. Without them we wouldn’t be who we are (male, female alike). As the saying goes the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. If only we had the capacity to view all women in this light and afford them the respect they deserve the world would be a better place for all beings to live. It is as simple as that.
Why so willingly jump on the bandwagon and unquestioningly accept these unjust attitudes of society? Where is the inquiring mind? Do we stop to think if what society is saying or thinking is fair?
As one very wise being once said “In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true” (The Buddha)
To see clearly, open your mind and may we close the gap between what we believe and how we act in the world (Borrowed from Buddhist Boot camp)
Happy Womens Day to you all!
By Anupama Weerasinghe
Beyond 16 Days 
This is very true. I myself a mother of two gorgeous daughter, experience this everyday. The moment I say I have two daughters everyone’s comment is ,”then the family is not complete yet isn’t it?”