Women power or Gender stereotype?

This blog is post Navarathri effect I would say. Three incidents that triggered my thought process to write this blog

1. I was conducting a session for young working girls on future aspirations, work and life. While I asked a question “how many of u believe in women power” everyone proudly raised their hands Except one. She said “I don’t believe in the gender based concepts, while we try to prove men and women are equal, where did girl power come into picture”. I smiled and continued the session
2. One evening instead of posting in my women friends whatsapp group, I wrongly posted in another group “ladies do u know where the birthday party decor shop is”. A male friend commented “stereotyping huh?” it was just a joke at that moment
3. A tea time evening with a neighbor we were talking about mobile and whatsapp and forwards. Though both of us are strong believers of Durga and enjoy the energy of navarathri, we both agreed the kind of messages and highlighting every avatar of the Goddess, female power, women empowerment and somewhere that made us feel what about Siva? What about Ganesh pooja which was just over too?

Ain’t we doing this in the society? Maybe there is a lot of emotions added, boldness brought our, lot of positivity embedded. However do you think the gender stereotyping comes with a push down at the other gender?

I was shocked to see my son’s friend think that girls are more powerful and only they can win. He is 8 years old, the class toppers are girls and their class has beautiful stage performers who are also girls. So these boys started developing a feel and accepted that girls are powerful. “aunty that is what my Nani told during durga pooja story also”. I felt ashamed. I explained them with stories of Shakti worshipping Siva and vice versa. It is not about the gender. It is about exploring your strengths and spreading the right energy to the world. It is about belief in self. There is no ‘one’  stronger God, there is no ‘one’ powerful gender.

Feminism and women empowerment was needed when we had been pushed down. But take a pause and think if we are overdoing it? Let me leave the answer to you…