Month: July 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world witnessed a significant shift towards remote work, fundamentally altering the traditional work environment. While some individuals faced job losses, this transition highlighted the potential of working from home and opened a plethora of new opportunities. For instance, many discovered they could run businesses from home, effectively managing supply chains and collaborating with suppliers and distributors remotely. One of the most notable outcomes of this shift was the rise of women starting home-based businesses. Leveraging skills they had honed over the years, these women found new avenues to apply their talents. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, played a crucial role in this transformation. Women could easily reach potential customers by posting pictures and reels of their handmade products, garnering likes and shares from their followers. This development significantly increased the participation of non-working women in the economy. However, the departure of women from traditional jobs remains a contentious topic. For many women, quitting their jobs to start their own businesses led to a better work-life balance. Supported by their spouses and families, these women found fulfillment and flexibility that traditional employment often lacked. Yet, the broader economic impact is multifaceted. While the economy lost experienced and skilled workers, their positions were frequently filled by others who could navigate the dual demands of work and home life effectively. The women who ventured into home-based businesses were typically well-educated, trained, and highly skilled. Their entry into the market introduced a new level of competitiveness and quality, filling a void of skilled strategists. Moreover, many of these entrepreneurial women eventually created job opportunities for other non-employed, less-educated women, fostering a ripple effect of economic empowerment. In essence, the shift from traditional employment to home-based businesses resulted in both losses and gains for the economy. The departure of skilled workers from traditional roles was balanced by the infusion of new businesses and job opportunities. The full extent of this impact still requires extensive research to understand fully. From my perspective, this transformation, despite its complexities, has been a positive disruption. It has introduced a new dynamic into the economy, one that holds promise for better times ahead. The entrepreneurial spirit and resilience demonstrated by these women could pave the way for a more flexible and inclusive economic landscape in the future.

Recently, I watched a Tamil movie called “Annapoorani,” starring Nayanthara. It’s about a Brahmin girl who dreams of becoming a top corporate chef. However, she faces a significant challenge: as a chef, she might need to cook meat, which goes against her religious beliefs. Despite this, she fights against the odds and becomes a successful chef. The movie was heavily criticized for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of Brahmins and received a low rating of 3.8 out of 10 on IMDB. Amidst these religious allegations, the core message of the movie was lost. The film wasn’t about challenging religious beliefs but rather about a woman’s journey against all odds to achieve greatness. Unfortunately, this powerful message was misunderstood and overlooked. This story highlights a broader issue in our society. Whenever a woman strives to achieve something significant, she often challenges long-held notions, whether they are religious, cultural, or societal. For instance, in some places, simply working a job is not considered favorable for women, who are expected to stay at home after marriage. If their husbands support them, both are criticized. If a woman cannot have multiple children because she is focused on her career, she is frowned upon. She is allowed to achieve a certain level of success, but if it requires further effort that demands changing home dynamics, she is often pulled back. Many women have buried their professional ambitions simply because they need extra support from their families. The movie “Annapoorani” serves as a metaphor for this struggle. Just like the protagonist, many women face immense pressure to conform to traditional roles. Their aspirations are often seen as threats to established norms. This resistance is not just about preserving tradition but also about maintaining control over women’s lives and choices. However, just as Annapoorani fought against these restrictions, many women today are challenging the status quo. They are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be successful. They are showing that it is possible to respect tradition while also pursuing personal and professional goals. This dual commitment to tradition and progress is not easy, but it is necessary for a more inclusive and equitable society. In reflecting on both the film and my personal experiences, I see a common thread: the need for greater respect and recognition of women’s contributions, both at home and in society. By acknowledging and supporting women’s ambitions, we can create a culture that values equality and mutual respect. This begins with small steps, like sharing responsibilities at home and questioning outdated norms. Over time, these small changes can lead to significant shifts in how we perceive and treat each other. Whether it’s about who eats first at a family dinner or who gets to pursue their dreams, the goal is the same: to build a society where everyone is valued and respected. By starting with our own actions and setting examples in our homes, we can influence the broader social structure and create a more inclusive and fair society for all.

At countless family and neighborhood dinners, I’ve noticed a tradition that bothers me deeply. When it’s time to eat, the men are invited to sit first and enjoy the food. The women, often accompanied by young children if they’re still small, serve the meal and then gather in another room to chat while the men eat. The young boys join the older men, while the women either stay in the kitchen or huddle together elsewhere. Only after the men finish their meal and move on to their conversations do the women finally get their turn at the table. By then, the food is often cold, and they sometimes reheat it or just eat it as it is. The female host usually eats last. This custom might seem logical at first glance: the female host is responsible for the meal, and the male host for hospitality, so he eats first. But why do the female guests also have to eat last? Perhaps they want to eat together with the host, or maybe they’re not comfortable dining with the men, especially in cultures where there’s a strict separation between genders. These traditions likely date back to times when men did the hard work of gathering food and hunting. After returning home exhausted, it made sense for them to be served first. In groups, men took on the responsibility of protecting their homes from external threats, and thus received care and affection from the women when they returned. However, society has progressed, and gender roles have evolved. Many men now help with kitchen chores, even after a long day at work. Women, even those who stay home, expect their husbands to participate in preparing meals. And once everyone has eaten, husbands are often expected to help with washing dishes. But during group dinners with multiple families, the old traditions persist. It’s surprising that men who usually help in the kitchen revert to eating first with other men during these gatherings. Even more surprising is that no one, especially the women, seems to question this. As I reflect more deeply on these experiences, I realize that it’s not just about the act of eating first or last—it’s about respect and recognition. By serving men first and relegating women to the background, these traditions reinforce a hierarchy that undervalues women’s contributions. Women work hard to prepare these meals, and they deserve to be acknowledged and appreciated, not just in private but also in social settings. In our everyday lives, many of us are already challenging these outdated norms. I see men who cook, clean, and share the load equally with their partners. This change is significant and should be extended to our social gatherings. When I see my father helping my mother in the kitchen, it gives me hope that things are changing. But the true test comes during these larger family gatherings where tradition holds strong. One way to start making a difference is by simply talking about it. Open discussions about these traditions can lead to greater awareness and, eventually, change. We can question why things are done a certain way and explore how we can do them differently. Small changes, like men and women eating together or men serving the food, can make a big impact. When I imagine my future, I see a household where my wife and I share responsibilities equally. I envision us setting an example for our children, showing them that respect and equality are fundamental values. I hope that by waiting to eat with my wife, serving her, and ensuring she feels valued, I can create a small ripple that contributes to a larger wave of change. Ultimately, it’s about more than just changing who eats first. It’s about building a culture of mutual respect, where everyone’s efforts are recognized and appreciated. By starting with our own actions and setting examples in our homes, we can slowly but surely influence the broader social structure. And while it might seem like a small step, it can lead to a significant shift in how we view and treat each other. So, even though I’m still young, I hold on to this vision for the future. I hope that I can stand by my word and create a home where respect and equality thrive. And maybe, just maybe, others will follow suit, leading to a more inclusive and fair society for all.