When Will Male Domination End?

The question of when male domination will come to an end is analogous to asking how the British Empire's rule in India would end. As Bhagat Singh aptly stated, “there cannot be talks between weak and powerful.” It is unrealistic to expect dominant groups to realize their mistake on their own; instead, it must be the result of active change initiated by the marginalized group. In the context of gender, male dominance persists because women are often made to feel inferior, a situation reminiscent of colonial times when societal structures were unfairly tilted in favor of the ruling class.

The Current State of Women in Society

Today, the status of women is akin to that of India before independence. Male dominance can only be eradicated if women take an active role in contributing economically. The truth is, the person who holds the purse strings holds the power, be it justifiably or not. Women who do all the household jobs and manage the home are often referred to as housewives rather than homemakers. This reflects a societal bias where the role of a housekeeper is undervalued compared to a breadwinner.

To address this imbalance, women need to have access to jobs, and for that, they need education. Unfortunately, the female education system in our country has come under scrutiny. Educating a girl child has the potential to resolve a myriad of social issues, including male dominance. When women are educated, they are better equipped to challenge and change the status quo, fostering a more egalitarian society.

A Call for Respect and Understanding

True gender equality can only be achieved when all women treat themselves and each other with the respect they deserve. Mutual respect goes beyond mere language; it involves recognizing the dignity and worth of every individual. This includes stopping the harmful and degrading treatment of women by their mothers-in-law (MIL) or daughters-in-law (DIL) or vice versa. It also means ending the practice of instructing other women to “submit” or “follow.” By empowering women and promoting gender equality, we can create a more harmonious and respectful society.

The Role of Nature and Nurture in Male Dominance

What underpins male dominance is not an intrinsic feeling of superiority in men, but rather a reflection of the social and biological environment women create and perpetuate. Males are often provided with more physical strength and are more capable of handling stress and physical challenges. While humans have made significant intellectual advancements, a large portion of the population still behaves in ways that are deeply rooted in their natural attributes.

Eliminating male dominance entirely may be nearly impossible until every individual achieves a high level of understanding and spiritual development. Alternatively, governments may need to implement stringent policies to regulate and challenge harmful behaviors. Ultimately, the path to true equality lies in a combination of education, awareness, and systemic change.