Salaried women object of torture
With majority of women becoming economically independent, harassment from the domestic front is on the raise, if some of the recent events are any indication.
There have been several complaints of late from working women that they have been subjected to mental and physical abuses by their fathers or husbands.
In a recent incident, Ruchita (name changed) called up one of her friends at midnight and said she was thrown out of her home by her own father when she rejected to assist him financially.
Her friend (male) offered a temporary shelter in his apartment. She is now trying to find a private hostel close to her work place.
Ruchita's take home is over Rs.2 lakh per annum as she holds a B Tech degree. 'In the beginning of my professional career, I used to keep my ATM card with my mother. She used all the money I earned throughout the year.
She gave me Rs 5,000 before I shifted to Chennai on a transfer. I had to find some accommodation on my own in the completely new place. Either father or mother accompanied me in Chennai,' lamented Ruchita.
Many women employees (both married and unmarried), who are paid considerably high salaries and hail from well-to-do families, seem to be experiencing untold hardships caused by their own family members rather than outsiders.
Many allege that parents are depending on their incomes. Sometimes, they extract all the money and try to impose many restrictions in the name of family responsibilities. As a result, the distressed women prefer to stay in private hostels rather homes where they were born and brought up.
When it comes to married women, Sujatha, an HR manager in a corporate bank, says she often faces harassment by her husband. She alleges that she is forced to bring additional dowry besides handing over salary every month.
She says, 'Though, my parents gave him a dowry of Rs 4 lakh, my husband along with in-laws often torture me to bring additional dowry.
I don't use even a small amount from my earning. Sometimes, I borrow money from my colleagues. It is so hurting.'
'With the advent of capitalistic way of seeing things, relationships are often driven by economies. Relationships are viewed from the lens of gains and losses.
All the relationships have become imaginary. A majority of people feel that money matters a lot. Money can offer instant pleasures but not peace of mind,' says Hari Raghav, a psychologist.
News Posted: 14 May, 2013
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