My idea for Women Empowerment

I was watching a debate on Women Empowerment on one of the popular news channels. Accomplished Women from various fields were part of the panel. There were several issues that were discussed, equal pay for women, no discrimination in religious practices on basis of gender, lack of basic health and hygiene, infrastructure to support women employees etc. Everybody agreed that there is a lot to be done in this regard. There were ideas floating such as reservation for women, privileges to be given to women employees.  It all sounded quite positive and motivating. I would like to add one point here- it is good to have these debates and discuss what is going on and what needs to be done, it would be more helpful if each of the privileged women acknowledges the fact that they are blessed and not every women is; so it becomes our responsibility to help those less privileged ones around us. People say “A woman’s biggest enemy is another woman”. We need to break out of this image.
Few months back there was some deliberation on organizing the unorganized sector of domestic help of India. Most of the working women that I spoke to were not in favour of it either as it would add to more financial burden on them.  Giving those women few benefits was cutting into their luxury. All the feminist thoughts had gone into a hiding for the fear of their convenience getting affected.  The most basic prerequisite is that this mindset has to be changed. Women as a fraternity cannot progress if we want one section of women to not grow for it might threaten our own progress.
Every change that you want to see in the world starts with yourself. Take some time out and talk to the lady that comes to your house for cleaning and cooking, see if you can extend some help to her may be by helping her learn some skill or helping her send her kids to school.  You never know a little help from your side can change her life for good. If you are a working professional in a position of influence do not look through the problems that exist at your work place, rules which are not in favour of women subordinates. Work to bring a change.
Lastly, it is convenient to generalize and blame the other gender for the problems being faced by our gender. There is no point in bashing them. They are a product of an age old patriarchy that existed; it will take time to change.  The educated section is already seeing the change. Education is the only way to bring about the change.