Traditional norms for women in patriarchal society

Senjam Victoria *

The 8th of March, 2023, marked 112 years of International Women's Day celebrations. It is the day primarily celebrated to acknowledge and recognize the power and capabilities of women regardless of their background in terms of Nationality, ethnicity, culture, financial capabilities, etc.

Women worldwide marked it as a breakaway from the shackles of the oppressive influence of their male counterparts. Despite biological differences and responsibilities, we have come a long way in fighting for equal rights yet women in our society seem to be stuck behind the traditional norms.

Manipuri women throughout history have been considered the epitome of strength. Their courage in leading the people of Manipur during the first and second Nupilan, in 1904 and 1939, is being praised and has always inspired the young ladies of Manipur.

Khwairamband Keithel is the pride of Manipuri women, being the only market run and operated by women. Many women excelling in sports have also emerged from this State. Kunjarani, Sanamacha, Mary Kom, Mirabai, Sarita are household names. These give the women of Manipur particular regard and respect from the people of other States and countries.

Behind these glories, Manipuri women are also bound by tradition and culture, characterised by patriarchal-oriented ideology passed down from generation to generation. These have been portrayed through the rituals and activities performed in festivals and domestic environments.

When a daughter is born, she is expected to help her mother or the women in the family with household chores. Activities that portray feminine traits, such as hand-looming, dance, music, etc., are regarded highly by society. They are kept under the radar of the men of the family as a means of protection to redefine the weak trait of a woman again.

Though their work compelled them to work till late at night, they were still expected to return home before sunset. A girl must reach a certain age to be allowed to go anywhere with an elder accompanying them. This creates a misunderstanding and negatively impacts young women's mentality to view the world as a dangerous place for women. These are happening despite giving women education or the foundation of education.

Most young girls are exempted from participating in co-curricular activities related to sports or activities that require physical strength. This creates an environment and promotes inequality in obtaining knowledge outside their comfort zone.

Manipur celebrated the Yaoshang festival for five days from the 6th to the 11th of March this year. Most areas inhabited by the Meitei community celebrated the festival by giving special attention to sports. Sports events are organised by dividing into different categories, including categories for unmarried and married women.

But the contradictory fact is that most of the activities they include in these sports events keep and reaffirm the role of the women as the manager of the household chores. For instance, the events such as the sanabun (a type of pot used for carrying water) race, winnowing (Cheng Kheibi) competition, stamping Chandan, blind make-up, and many more can be seen as glorifying women to excel in domestic chores or as the nature of women to groom themselves.

There's an imposition upon the women that their task belongs solely at home and that they cannot do anything outside the shade. These events seem contradictory to the celebration of International Women's Day, which was celebrated on the third day of Yaoshang on the 8th of March.

Women are fighting against these misogynist stereotypes, excelling in many fields, and competing with their male counterparts. Though there are some limitations considering the difference in biological differences, the imposition of such ideas will hinder the growth of women in achieving their dreams.

Many traditional norms in our society keep women in a position over men. Menstruation is considered impure, a biological function of being a woman. During these five days of the menstrual cycle, women abstain from entering or touching things considered pure, ie, kitchen or area of worship.

Even women who had just given birth are not allowed to eat with other members of the family or enter the kitchen (mainly for joint families). These rules are even stricter in places away from the urban areas.

And many women are not given primary education. Many cases of domestic violence by their in-laws are common. Though the gravity of the issue is not severe, there's some alienation among their peers in the locality, and they are often harassed mentally.

Women reaching the age of 30 are being pressured to get married. And in choosing the groom, there are also criteria for the groom to provide the wife with all the necessities. This creates an idea of dependency on their husband among women.

When a wife passes away, men are pressured to get a second wife, and even if men bring a woman, society does not criticize them. However, if a woman becomes a widow and tries to find a partner, they are heavily criticized, and the criticism is severe if the woman happens to have children in her 1st marriage.

As the mentality of people is different, some women take advantage of the feminist movement and become a source of societal problems. But these cases are rare. With the changing global scenario, there is a change in these perceptions of women being soft and weak.

And that they should be given equal opportunity in any field. Education also plays an essential role in bringing awareness to these inequalities among women. As women, we must be proud of our capabilities and celebrate our role in shaping society in the right direction.

We must fight for our rights, and against unfair traditions that pull us backward, and at the same time, in the name of the feminist movement, we must not misuse our power, which will deviate from the movement's objectives.