Beyond the call of duty: Nepali policewomen fast for long life of their husbands
Even as women participation in newer areas of public duties is on rise, Nepali women professionals quite uniquely still stick to some cultural practices and beliefs transferred to them from generations.
Take for instance how passionately the policewomen at the all-women traffic police post in Thapathali, Kathmandu, seem to be going about. Headed by Sub-inspector Laxmi Gurung, the all-women traffic police post, which was established few weeks ago, works independently for the management of traffic around Thapathali area and it has been quite successful. Motorists and local residents say the messy traffic in the area has become quite orderly and the credit goes to these lady cops.
However, their breakneck working schedule, however, does not cut them off religious-cultural practices commonly observed amongst Nepali women. A quarter of 26 policewomen working at the post still manage to take brata or fast for the long life of their husbands. While they stay 24 hours at the post the policewomen take brata on Mondays of the month of Shrawan. They say most of the women in the police service fast around this time every year. They, however, manage to observe their duty despite the daylong fasting.
Sub-inspector Gurung admits this practice has little meaning but since this practice is has to do with the socio-cultural orientation of the women there is, however, nothing wrong going with the tradition. With empty stomachs on Mondays, the traffic policewomen still go out on the street and carry out their job in a normal way, she says. “Fasting is a matter of personal choice. I don’t take it as a big matter so nobody is supposed to take rest for the day. One must report to one’s duty anyhow,” the tough-talking Sub-inspector says.
“It is not only the traffic women who work and pray for their husbands’ long life and prosperity. We see that during the Shrawan Mondays most Nepali women, even those well-educated, make offerings at Shiva temples,” says Babinta Basnet, president of Samcharika Samuha, a media rights group run by women. She says religious and cultural beliefs are no obstacles in the progress of Nepali women but the culture of fasting for husband’s prosperity marks patriarchal set-up of the society.
Sociologist Prof Rishi Keshav Raj Regmi is of the view that empowerment of women is impossible unless men change their his mentality and let the woman pick up responsibilities of her interest. “Empowerment of women is not only hindered by religious philosophy but also by social dogmas created by men,” he opines.
Prof Regmi says it is about time that men stopped suppressing their better half. “The women of modern society are ready to take up challenges and new responsibilities. The need at this time is more opportunity to women and freedom from domination of males,” adds he.
Published in Nepalnews.com