Women of the Hindu faith were created, as specified by the Vedas, to be subservient to men. From birth, they traditionally are directed into a life of assisting men in achieving their goals, bearing children and performing household duties. Hindu females are denied personal choices of lifestyle, education and career and must focus efforts on the betterment of males in the family.
Hinduism teaches the female was created to “provide company to men and facilitate procreation, progeny and continuation of family linage” (Jayaram V, 2013). Women are expected to marry as arranged by family in many cases, (with or without the bride-to-be’s preferences), and then to accept a life primarily focused on having and raising children. A wife’s interaction with society is limited because of this belief; her place is in the home where it is her husband’s duty to keep her and protect her.
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"Hindu Beliefs and the Status of Women".
In Hindu teachings, women are to be considered as the embodiment of goddesses, and are to enjoy the adoration and glorified status of that honor. In reality, a woman of this religion is subject to a life of hardship, confinement and domination. Jayaram V (2013) wrote “in practice, most women led miserable lives in service to their husbands”. Controlled in every aspect of their existence, most will not experience much of the world outside of their homes.
Although the plight of Hindu women has gained the attention of the world, including the United Nations, positive changes in the behaviors attributed to this ancient religion are slow. Women continue to be regarded as merely servants to the needs and objectives of male family members and with an emphasis in the production of children.
- Jayaram V (2013) Traditional Status of Women in Hinduism, Hindu Website, retrieved from http://www.hinduwebsite.com
