What women want

On International Women's Day, women from the film industry tell Kochi Times what's on their wishlist ' a world that's free of gender bias, moral policing and sexual harassment, at home and at the work place
I wish we didn't have to fear for our safety
NIKKI GALRANI
Even in the so-called progressive societies where men and women are said to be equal, the reality is different. As a girl, we are always forced to think twice before we speak or even wear something. The dialogue that we hear most is 'Hush! You are a girl, you are not supposed to react like this!' I dream of a society where women have the space and freedom to do what she desires. Let not the regressive society restrict them from chasing their dreams. Also, it is every girl's dream to go on solo trips without fearing her safety. But women are forced to face unwanted sexual comments to physical assault, every day.
I wish nosy neighbours mind their own business
APOORVA BOSE
Moral policing is the most annoying thing you have to suffer as a woman. The aunties, uncles and neighbours enjoy being the advocates of morality and single women are easy targets for them. The neighbours suddenly start taking an extra interest in her entry and exit timings, especially on the men who come over to visit. They hardly let you live life without interfering in every move you make. People should understand that nobody should be judged for their way of life.
I wish men would share the household chores equally
LENA
Women face inequality not only in the workplace but also at home. Society puts incredible pressure on women to juggle work and family responsibilities. A typical Indian woman's day begins two hours before everyone and ends two hours later than the rest of the family. The society still can't digest the man sharing the household chores. It's high time this changes. At the workplace too, women are compared to men. For a change to happen, instead of comparing, people should start complimenting women. Also, we have the right to be safe while traveling. There are many cities in the world where women feel safe to go out even in the night. We need such an atmosphere in India too. Women around me fail to realise their potential and what they can accomplish. Every woman has the ability to take charge of her life with confidence and strength. The power to be happy and fulfilled lies in our own hands. So why not live the life of our dreams? It is easier than we think!
I wish equal pay was a reality
Radhika Chethan
Most people only pay lip service to gender parity. I have seen women being side-lined saying she is not capable of doing challenging tasks. Women are routinely paid less than men even though the work they do is the same. For this situation to change, women should find out their own strength and turn confident. I am not asking women to be rebels without a cause but we need changes within our mind-set to let go of the insecurities. Each woman should be a leader in her own sphere of influence so that gender parity is achieved.
I wish people would stop asking us to settle down
NAMITHA PRAMOD
Society doesn't allow a woman to be career-oriented. If you want to enjoy life as a single, be prepared to listen to a horde of badgering relatives. A lot of people around us seem to be interested in making us 'settle down' and you and your parents will be fed up of answering their questions on your marriage plans. Girls are invariably judged for their appearance. Every girl is pressurised to be described with adjectives like fair, slim, beautiful, pretty and so on. We need to stop bullying women for their physical appearance and skin colour, and instead, learn to appreciate their inner beauty and strengths.