Changing Times
Episode Background
Sometime in the early 20th Century (in all likelihood 1909) women got together for the first time to celebrate a Day specially dedicated to their causes. It was to highlight the various issues they were facing in society on different fronts – being denied a right to vote primary amongst them.
It may seem a bit surprising today, but until the early 1900’s women faced discrimination as they were barred from exercising their franchise on various matters as men chose to keep them out of the electoral process.
The universal suffrage movement started in New Zealand and gradually gained strength around the world culminating in women being granted this basic right in most of these countries.
March 8 every year became special and came to be recognized as International Women’s Day and now it has been over a century that on this date womanhood is celebrated with gusto and issues continue to be highlighted which affect their gender.
Closer home March 8 may be just like another day for the ordinary woman who continues to work hard all round the year to maintain a sense of semblance around the house for which she is mostly responsible.
In between, she has to take care of her family and fulfil many roles and multi-task. Sometimes this may be a struggle and sometimes fun, but the bottom line is she has to manage day to day situations, be caring and more importantly keep going and not give up.
In this context, our new episode with protagonist Jhumka Jhumur comes today talking about changing values in changing times. Some of us may find some customs outdated, yet they remain entrenched in our daily lives.
Read on to find out what mother-son duo have in store for us this time!
The End
Dear Reader, What do you think should be Jhumka's answer to her son? How should she handle the query? Do share your thoughts and look forward as always to hearing from you 😊 This episode comes to life through the Illustrations by Vartika Bhonsle. She is a student of Fashion Communication and a graduate from NIFT, Bhubaneswar. She loves illustrating people in their various moods and you can visit her Instagram page @yellowlittlelamp to follow some awesome art!
Copyright © 2022 Wasim Jawaid
This work of fiction, written by Wasim Jawaid is the author’s sole intellectual property. All rights are reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including printing, photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author. For permission requests, send an email to the author wasim.jawaid@gmail.com
That Odia Boy 
Wasim.. First of all loved this piece. Women empowerment is an issue very close to my heart. In my opinion serving or caring for your family or friends or for that matter anyone should be the basic nature of mankind. Read an interesting poem in my son’s textbook which says ‘ wahi manushya hai jo manushya ke liye mare’ that is a true human being is one who has humanity. Now coming back to the question of what the mother should reply to the question is ‘yes ,your wife should do take care of you but in return it is also necessary that you take care of her. ‘ Roles should not be defined. If daughter in law has to take care of her in laws the vice versa should be true and if wife has to take care of husband vice versa should be applicable . It should be a two way process. We have always seen the mother, sister, wife, daughter in role of a caretaker and probably it has been proved that they are better suited also but we never know men can be more caring if given a chance.. And probably women are better at caretaking because they have been doing it for ages.. Men can give it a try too
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hello Jhumur!
Thank you so much for your comments and feedback on this story.
Indeed pertinent points raised by you. It has to be a 2 way process wherever possible. I am so glad you do not hesitate to share all these daily household discussions which make for great stories.
Keep them coming!
LikeLike
Great illustrations. Kudos to the artist.
We talk of woman empowerment, gender equality all the time but what we forget that these are socially constructed roles and we need to change that. May be next time Jhumka Jhumur can teach her children to take care of daily chores. Say the son brings water for his father instead of sitting and watching.
Empowerment comes from learning self-sustenance by both men and women. No one alone can level the field for us. It has to be a combined effort. And learning to make the effort comes from HOME.
Like Celebrating one day as women’s day will not bring empowerment. It needs to be a continuous endeavour.
I appreciate how you raise social related topics through your work. Thank you for your efforts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely Smruti…teaching the child to do some of the chores will imbibe in him/her a good set of values from an early age. Glad to know you practice what you say and your son already does some of these ‘tasks’. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
LikeLike
Nice story Wasim. Happens to be my wife’s birthday too! Best Answer would be, “Son, I do it, not because I have to but because I want to.”:-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome point raised Manish! So nicely put. Indeed if the mother says that from all her heart that will be enough to make the son understand why she does chores for him too – maybe like helping him with his dress/shoes, food he loves, homework etc.
Thank you :))
LikeLike
Kudos Wasim for excellent work.Loved the narration and illustrations alike!Charity begins at home & we must be the CHANGE we see to see around us.Kids are good observer; just like sponge they absorb what they see being practiced in society and imbibe what is happening at our HOMEs.So,no wonder Ishaan asked very pertinent Question to his mummy.As parents , we can lead by example to show what we mean by gender equality.Men and women today must share similar responsibility at home.Keeping ego aside, helping each other in mundane household chores, life-partners can set right example for the kids.Mutual respect is the key in my view.Happy family shall be solid foundation to our society and contribute significantly towards our nation building as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful…I really like the way you have put your point across Bibek. Worth noting is your observations – ‘kids are like sponge’ and men/women interchanging roles or equally taking part in daily household tasks.
Thank you as always for encouraging and appreciating❤🙌
LikeLike
Discrimination still continues in the society. It’s not just women being categorised but there are many other things that need some pondering. Today being International women’s day, we are talking about empowering women….I think everyday a woman has to walk a tight rope satisfying the needs of everyone….at home and at work. At times, a man faces a similar situation. The scenario can change only when one is taught from a young age that roles can interchange. Right examples must be set at home to bring about a change.
It’s a well written story! I appreciate the way you address social issues in your writings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sunanda…yes indeed. Everyday is a struggle for most of us and more so for women. As you mention there is the added responsibility of home (and everyone in it) on her shoulders.
Thank you so much for the compliment!
LikeLike