Mumbai: Indian poet Javed Akhtar is known not only for his work in Indian cinema but also for his wife, actress Shabana Azmi. Whereas talking to the media recently, Azmi gave her insights into why women face the stigma of bearing kids or not. Azmi spoke of the pressure communities place on women regarding the ability to give birth.
Women in Surplus
In one of her free-flowing discussions, Shabana Azmi called out discrimination on women’s reproductive roles, as in more Patriarchal societies like in South Asia, ‘the worth of a woman is usually measured by how well she biases in playing the roles of a wife and a mother. It’s the mothering alone that she goals to do for the rest of her life to provide self-worth to her,’ said Shabana. Such remarks from Azmi lay bare one of the bitterest facts about many women: they are not seen for what they are or what they do but for how well they fulfill society’s roles.
“Society, ” said the lady, “does not allow women to be fulfilled by not reproducing.” This one bar to women becoming mothers makes most women feel pretty pointless, irrespective of how productive or successful they could be in other sectors. The lack of children becomes unavoidably Declining existent for all other terms.
A Woman’s Identity: Beyond the Ties of Kinship
Azmi touched upon how a woman’s identity is socially constructed. For instance, she acknowledged that there is usually pressure on women to be the wife, mother, or someone’s daughter, while, on the other hand, men’s roles have to do primarily with work and success. Such differences set women at a disadvantage as women’s worldview anchors healthily to the family, and not much outside work is appreciated.
“In society, women are valued, and their worth and identity are confined to being in relationships with or having relationships with a wife, mother, or daughter. It is only, however, “Azmi stated. On the other hand, “men’s success is sought and defined through their careers, and their jobs,” giving a very unfortunate imbalance in the way both sexes are socially depicted.
The Perplexing Acceptance of Infertility
She, however, pointed out through two experiences that she has suffered because of being a woman; Shabana Azmi also revealed the pain of coming to terms with the fact that she is not able to be a mother. She added that it is a harrowing journey since the stigma from society is relatively high. Women who cannot give birth usually feel a deep, almost psychological pain due to shame upon which social conditioning has made them ‘mental machines,’ and this seems to be the greatest expectation imposed upon them.
Confessing the rude truth, Azmi said that. It was challenging to let go of this feeling of incompleteness and accept ISos. “It is tough to accept the reality that you cannot have children,” she said, “and society makes you feel incomplete.” The lady explained that such situations are disturbing and can negatively affect a woman’s psyche.
Self-emancipation from the Become Less Social Responsibility
However, Azmi did not succumb to this kind of pressure. She says women must search for their true selves beyond these practices. Azmi believes a woman’s worth in society is not based on her ability to bear children. But on her accomplishments and whatever good she can do.
Sometimes it is overwhelming for me. It takes a lot of effort to overcome this feeling of incompleteness,” she added. “But your true self is your work.” This proposition emphasizes the need for women to appreciate themselves more than how society perceives them or stereotypes them.
Reversal of the Narrative
Parvin Ardalan says Shabana Azmi’s comment provides reassurance that. The conversation about women, specifically women in the context of motherhood, has to change. Her womanhood encompasses much more than the biological capacity to reproduce or fit into society-approved roles. It includes the visions, goals, and achievements she has created for herself.
In sharing what she went through. Azmi expects society to change its perspective on women and go beyond the images of women bound by family. And to see them with their talents, skills, and contributions. She urges women to find meaning in their careers and passions rather than. The oppressive concepts of what a woman should be like.
Shabana Azmi’s words resonate with the notions of many other women who have encountered the same societal pressure. Her outlook imbues a certain positivity and strength in the women. It demands them to step away from it. These stereotypical shackles to know themselves and their possibilities through their goals and jobs. Azmi’s experience calls for a paradigm shift in our perception of. What women bring to the table in a society tends to confine women to specific roles.
