Breaking Barriers

One thing we often fail to remember is that if a woman can give birth to a child, she can possibly do anything in this world. And, therefore keeping in mind factors like physical strength, aptitude and more, the male dominated society has categorised the professions for men and women.

Against all the odds, women, nowadays, are trying to break all the barriers and make their mark in every field.

On the occasion of 'not so happy' women's day, let's explore the career options which the world thinks are not meant for women.

4Professional drivers: We have always seen the male dominating society making fun of how women drive cars. And we generally tend to develop this notion that if you are a woman, you can't drive. Maybe some can differ, no? There are many women who are actually earning their bread and butter by driving cars/ taxis on a daily basis.

4Chefs: Okay, so technically this one is a little hard to digest. I have observed that there is very less number of women chefs in any restaurants. While I was researching, I found, only about 21.4% of women have actually opted it as a career option, which is interestingly is titled as their 'work' in

Indian households. Don't you feel odd about this fact?

4Mechanical/Civil engineers: When I entered college, I heard many of my male friends complaining about not having a single female classmate. Though it was said on a lighter note, with time, I came to realise the seriousness of the fact. Have you actually thought why the count of women in mechanical or civil engineering is less?

4Fighter pilots: While growing up we were taught how women like Kalpana Chawla became an inspiration for many through their effortless service. However when it comes to supporting our girls, we have hundreds of doubts and inhibitions whether or not the profession is meant for them. That's the reason only 7.2% of women managed to become 'fighter pilots' worldwide.

4Bike riders: Though I was very happy when that advertisement of some 'scooty' brand came on television and used the tagline 'Why should boys have all the fun?' But when I actually thought about it, I came down to the conclusion that why do we need a special scooty for women? Why can't women ride bikes like men?

4Crime reporters/ investigative journalists: Just like our typical Hindi movies, I have come to realise that even in journalism – we tend to use 'pretty faces' to generate the TRP for the shows. I do not think there are many female journalists who cover crime or are involved in investigative journalism.

4Chief justice of India: I know it is very hard to believe that becoming a Supreme Court judge is not so easy in this country. But just Google it once and you will find that there have been only eight women chief justice in India since 1989. Surprised?

Considering the theme of this International Women's Day – 'Think Equal, Build Smart and Innovate for Change', let's clear the dust on our spectacles and for just once see it clearly – Have we actually given 'freedom' to women? Or are we still stuck on those stereotypes, which differentiate between how men and women should function and live their respective lives?