Mother: We will get you married by the age of 23.
Daughter: No way, I want to be independent and start working.
Mother: By your age, my father got me married, and I left my house at a very young age.
Daughter: Those days have gone, I will do whatever I feel like. I'm an educated woman.
The conversion from submissive to taking a strong stand for themselves.
What makes it different in this generation?
In the past, we have seen women listening to their parents blindly without even saying a word. As it was considered wrongful behaviour and they never disobeyed them. The opportunities they lacked in the past, even though they were educated, they weren't allowed to work due to being far away from work or being in traditional families and safety issues. Society used to brag regarding weddings and pressure to raise women. From school going to college, wedding was the only life goal for girls, and we can still see few incidents in rural villages.
Most of the time, a woman was dependent on others, from financial support to going outside the home. There was always a father, brother or some elderly to protect them. They used to command from clothes and food habits, everything was caged, where they lacked freedom and people were always judgemental.
Many girls stopped going to school, office and left jobs after marriage just because it was far away from home, domestic violence was never addressed publicly and women never opened up their views thinking of family honour and reputation. When it comes to business and entrepreneurship, the government never supported and lacked opportunities. Which never enhanced women's empowerment and was never supported even at home with always being taunted with words and humiliations.
The Gen Z Era
Society evolved as per time and circumstances, from clutches and cages to freedom. As women changed, our country's economic development and support from the government increased as per times. From subsidy loans to education institutes, the overall development created freedom and wealth for people.
The past elderly who suffered and felt negative about it, adopted to change the system for future generations. By encouraging their daughters to study, motivating them to earn and not to depend on any other person. Social media and digital enhancement have increased women's ability to face the world with strong awareness.
The freedom to express themselves, the ability to understand society as they are being educated. They understood the methods of society and gained courage to handle themselves on their own. Especially urban women who are working, have given motivation to rural women to lead. The new generation is aware of their abilities and not aligning themselves with traditional notions any more. They want to do what is right for them, and what makes them happy.
From government policies to NGO's awareness programmes, the generation has changed many traditional values from the past. As the opportunities increased, more women are being empowered and enlightened to live a life which has dignity, respect and a wonderful future.
