Women's Day 2023: Prof. Romica Bhat Discusses Feminism, Women Empowerment, And The Paradigm Shift In Society
On the occasion of Women's Day, ABP Live interacted with Prof. Romica Bhat, to know her views, and she spoke about feminism and woman empowerment and also discussed the paradigm changes in society.
New Delhi: International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to recognise the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women all over the globe. It serves as a day to advocate for women's rights and empowerment as well as to raise the consciousness of the obstacles women still face in their quest for gender equality. This year, the campaign theme for International Women's Day is 'Embracing Equity'.
As part of our Women's Day series, ABP Live spoke to various women from all walks of life, who shared what the day means to them. One such woman was Prof. Romica Bhat, HOI of Amity School of Communication, Amity University, Kolkata, who shared her views on women's day, talked about the actual meaning of feminism and woman empowerment and also discussed the paradigm changes in society.
Sharing what Women's Day meant to her, she said, "Whenever I talk about being a woman, I feel it's a God's gift because a woman brings life, she is a caregiver, she is a path-breaker, and also a follower. So, a woman fits into each and every inspirational model that one can think of. Thus, it's great being a woman and it's empowering in itself."
She further added, "Talking about this year's campaign theme 'Embracing Equity', I would say that we are slowly coming to the forum that women are equal to men and both should have equal rights and it is really good to have such a theme on this occasion."
On Feminism And Women Empowerment:
Discussing feminism and women empowerment she said, "We seem to have taken it in a wrong way these days. Wearing a skirt, having alcohol or being late at night is not feminism. Woman empowerment and feminism is more about knowing the real you- who you are, being able to unshackle all those latches that keep you tied, following a path and being a leader and a path-breaker."
Additionally, Prof. Bhat also shared that a woman can choose whatever career she wants and that it is important to know the right path.
She told ABP Live, "I am a teacher now, prior to this I was in the industry, was into admissions, and academics, and so on... So it is important to be on the right path. If your path is right, you can make your family understand. Right now also, I have met so many students whose parents were not in the favour of giving knowledge to their daughters, but they have made them understand what it is to be educated and empowered."
Citing examples she continued, "If a girl from a far-flung area of Haryana can win a gold medal or if a girl from the interiors of West Bengal can be a poetess, then why not us? So, it's important to make our family and the people around us understand, which might be very difficult, but it is doable. Each and every individual has their own journey, their own boundaries and limitations, but it is you who needs to decide to what extent you can push."
"You might have to be a rebel of sorts, but in a positive way. Someone who can change the thought process of society and the people, break the shackles and make people understand.", she further added.
On The Paradigm Shift In Society And Its Impact On Students:
Discussing the paradigm shift in society, Prof. Romica Bhat said, "After every 10-20 years there is a paradigm shift in society and in today's world, westernization, media, television or films have given a wrong connotation altogether to each and everything that we see around us. So, as I spoke about being a 'rebel', the media has given this tag to all the bad things. Hence, after a point in time, it is you who has to think about what is right and what is wrong."
"Actually, nothing is bad, if done with good intentions or if it is done within limits. Do every mischief that you want to do, and unfollow the rules that you don't want to follow, but you also need to think about your career along with it. So, there has to be a balance.", she further added.
Talking about the impact of films on students she said, "If I talk about films, there are some good films which reflect the society in a good way, some shows talk about social issues like eve-teasing, acid attacks, women's safety and other such causes, but then again there are other films also. So, it is your choice what will you consume, and it is the choices that make us."
On Parents And Girl Children:
Having interacted with students on a daily basis, Prof. Bhat shared, "Today's generation is mature enough right from the start, and in the current scenario, parenting is very much important. Parents need to give time to their child, they need to tell them what is right and wrong, and overall, they need to be a friend that the child can look up to."
"Psychology says, if you have a friend at home, you will never be falling for other people, if you are given good care at home, you will not be going out in search of all those things. So, parents need to be the real guardian and give time to their children in order to understand and take care of them. It is also important to understand that nowadays, a child also has psychology and they behave in accordance to the things going around them.", she further continued.
Speaking about girl students in particular, Prof. Bhat also discussed how young girls often want to share something with someone, but feel shy in doing so because of the fear of being judged.
She said, "Girl students, what I feel, have two faces, one which is in college- because they have to maintain standards, meet with friends, create the aura around themselves, look beautiful, look studious, and at the same time you have to be like a Gen-Z; but deep down, they too have a psychology. Because of all these things, maybe they want someone, maybe their parents to listen to them and become friends with them. So, being a parent as well as a friend is very beneficial for the child in today's time as then they can have someone to fall back on."
She also said, "If you don't have someone at home to listen to you, it is then that you become very vulnerable and you fall prey to all the wrong things because you are not getting what you need. So, it's very important to communicate with your child in a friendly and healthy manner."
On The Increase In Consciousness Among Youngsters Regarding Their Looks:
"Looks are important, but not to the extent in which it is taken.", said Prof. Bhat, "You need to know who you are, you need to walk with your identity. You need to identify who you are and your shortcomings by either working on them or, making them your strength. More than looks, girls need to learn to have the correct attitude and talent."
She further continued by saying, "There are certain taboos or certain thought processes that people have created regarding beauty. And eventually, at an age, you really find out that that was all superficial. You need to focus on your career, your life, your family."
Motivating young women and girls, she said, "My advice to all those people who really think that looks matter, I suggest you that looks are not everything. It's how you carry yourself, how much confidence you have in yourself, and how much talented you are. So just brace up, carve a niche for yourself and hone your skills. Once you're skillful, all the other things will take a backseat."
Lastly, on the occasion of Women's Day, Prof. Bhat gave a message to all the women out there and said, "Find yourself. Don't get lost. And once you find yourself, follow that path. Once you have done this, you will succeed."
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