Indian mothers are not only mothers, but also the possible promoters of a much needed change in their country. For millions of women who belong to the lower castes and who have limited financial means, being a mother is a struggle for survival. First, their own, and then their children’s, even before they are born. They have to pick their way through a society that has a strong preference for sons based on beliefs and religion.
Already in 2001, there were 35 million more men than women in India, whereas in most countries it is the female population that predominates. The reasons why an Indian family may prefer to have a son are that males are a means to ensure proper care to aging parents, as sons are the only ones who can be financially independent, inherit goods and property, and pray for the souls of the deceased.
A woman is just a financial burden because she must not contribute to the household income at any time and because at marriage, families pay a dowry for their daughters even though dowries are prohibited by law. Moreover, once married, the daughter ‘belongs’ to her husband’s family and loses contact with her own. Sending a teenage girl to school implies a high risk as she may be harassed, raped, abused and even killed. Women are also seen as the weakest and the ones with the greatest need for food and medical care, which means higher expenses.
All these reasons have led to increased selective abortions and infanticides in the country. The frequency of this practice is so high that there are villages where there is no drinking water but where this system exists. The an alternative for women who do not have economic access to selective abortions is infanticide practiced on girls from birth to age nine, an age range in which the female population decreases drastically.
Given that India continues to be a male-oriented society, it is women themselves who will actually have a say in changing the current situation. Gradually, more and more mothers decide to have daughters despite all the disadvantages that this decision can bring. Thanks to these women, the consequences of discrimination and degradation of the female gender in India will be addressed, such as is the increasing difficulty to marry because of the lack of women, and a stagnation of social development which should have matched the economic progress.
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers who love and struggle for their children.
Source: elpais.com
