You don’t have to be a woman to be a feminist. And, one of the greatest examples of this is Chanakya. Though wrongly perceived as a strong man with cunning strategies, he was a real softie from the inside. He could understand the feelings of a woman, and not just believed in empowering a woman, but also practised it. He made it a policy matter in his documents and books like Arthashastra and Chanakya Neeti.
We need to note that the human race evolves from one generation to the next. That is how we progress in every field. But, at the same time, certain things do not change with progress and development. For instance, many societies across the world suppressed women and kept their role limited to a homemaker. But, as education and awareness spread globally, women entered every profession and took on leadership roles. And, they are on par with their male counterparts.
Yet, on the other side, the soft, feminine side of a woman can never be completely replaced by a man. Father’s love is important for the healthy development of a child, but the mother’s role is more critical in parenting. This debate of feminism has been seen in all cultures across the globe for ages. Wisdom lies in striking the balance of womanhood being accepted gracefully and making sure she is given all the opportunities that were once given only to a man.
So, what are Chanakya’s thoughts on this matter? There are many references given in Arthashastra about women and their role in society. Here is an example: “From a dangerous situation he should move away with effort, after removing the women-flock.” (7.5.46).
The above sutra is mentioned in the chapters connected to war-like situations. This is an instruction given to men to keep women safe and secure. Whenever there are dangerous situations, men should protect women at all costs. This also has to be extended to senior citizens and children. Providing safety and security to family members is the first responsibility of the head of the family. Such instructions we see even in modern-day warfare and military policies.
Following are some lessons we can draw from the point of women empowerment.
Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai is an Indian management thinker, author, and Founder of Atma Darshan and Chanakya Aanvikshiki. Dr Pillai has extensively researched Kautilya’s Arthashastra, the 3rd century BC treatise and incorporated it into modern management.
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