Women
around the world have progressed and so have the women of Kullu
valley gained liberation. Present generation women of both urban
and rural areas have found room for themselves. Earlier generations
were dogmatic and they didn't give the women much freedom of thought
and action. But now, society has realized their worth and women
have been provided with improved working conditions both inside
and outside homes.
The people have changed their opinion and education is now in
reach of village girls too. According to 2001 census, women of
Kullu contribute 61.24% to the 73.36% literacy rate of the valley.
They can now articulate themselves better and understand how to
help themselves.
Various
teaching schemes have been started for women. They are trained
in handicrafts, stitching, embroidery etc. Women have decision-making
powers, with reserved seats in panchayats (village administrative
bodies) as well as state and central legislative assemblies. Kullu
women have emancipated themselves and the old traditions are no
more enforced on them.
The hardworking
women are making remarkable differences in their spheres i.e.
at homes and in the fields. They are working equally with men
in every field. Womenfolk play a vital role in character-building
of children as they have greater responsibility of taking care
of them at home. The system of dowry does not prevail in Kullu.
During marriages the close relatives of bride offer gifts to express
their love. Girls have right over their father's property even
after marriage.
Despite such progress, shortcomings are still there. Life of
women in distant villages is even now confined to the thresholds
of their homes. The Women who are allowed to work out of homes
face difficulties. They have to work hard before leaving for jobs
and again have hectic work schedules ready on reaching home.
To effect changes in the living conditions of women, people will
have to react in a much stronger way. Every society greatly depends
on its women and they undoubtedly maintain the standards of the
great customs and traditions. What they need is strong moral support
from the men's folk. Women of Kullu have great potential in them.
They need to express their divine qualities and harness their
energies.