Women in India have always been the victim of patriarchy. Being a 21st century women, i profess towards achieving an egalitarian society. Several religious and scientific beliefs lead us to believe that females constitute the weaker section of society just like children and elderly people. Ironically, in a country like India where women are worshipped as goddess in the form of idols, they are abused and beaten to death in actual human form. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB- https://ncrb.gov.in/) report in 2019 revealed that around 30.9% of cases registered against women pertains to domestic violence act of Indian Penal Code (IPC). Domestic violence, physical abuse, rape all are considered as crime in the court of law and dealt accordingly if reported on time. But what about the mental trauma caused to women due to patriarchy? What is patriarchy and how it became a way of life?

Patriarchy in laymen terms signifies male dominance and female subordination. Barbara Smuts in her article identified six major factors which contributed towards gender inequality(Smuts, B. (1995). The evolutionary origins of patriarchy. Human Nature, 6(1), 1-32). The article suggests that reduced support from kins and allies in females, increased formation of male-male alliances, control of resources by males, attraction of females towards powerful males, female behaviour promoting control of males and evolution of language are all the major factors that gave rise to gender disparity. These factors even suggest that upto some extent even females are also responsible for promoting patriarchy. The roots of patriarchy are deeply imbibed in the minds of the people. We often come across houses where female heads of the family try to dominate and dictate the terms of life for other females. Surprisingly, they are the only ones promoting and even adjusting to the rude and barbaric behaviour of young male members. By accepting male dominance, these women contribute towards rising gender inequality in society. Mothers in houses are always expected to teach their kids about gender roles.

Pros of patriarchy? Thinking from the perspective of a 21st century female, i really doubt if that’s even a valid question. How can something that does not let you show the best of your abilities, have any pros??The only benefit a patriarchal society offers to women is to allow them to lead a mindless life, thus saving them from any kind of mental stress. But do women actually live a life without any kind stress? What about the dilemma faced by women in any kind of decision making? Women are never really given any independence in deciding things either for themselves or for others. Throughout their lives, women are taught to be dependent on other male member for all their needs. Unable to do anything on their own, these women become bitter towards others and loose self confidence.

My question to society is how can one human control the reigns of life of another human, by mere presence of a different organ? Why are human beings judged based on their gender and not on the basis of their IQ (Intelligence quotient) or EQ (Emotional quotient)?

There are examples of successful matriarchal societies i.e. Mosou in China, Bribri in Costa Rica, Umoja in Kenya,Minangkabau in Indonesia,Akan in Ghana and Khasi in India. These women are happily leading their lives and are financially independent. However, dividing the world on the basis of gender is not the idea. Rather we all should vouch for an egalitarian society to maintain peace and harmony.