While we observe and celebrate the international women’s day, isn’t it time we address certain archaic stereotypes that society nurtures against women. These stereotypes not only affect the way men perceive women, but also the way women see themselves. For one, women continue to be caught into the “beauty trap”. In her compulsion to look good and youthful, many unsafe and painful procedures are undertaken which compromise her health; Surgery is just one of them.

Secondly, in most homes including middle class educated ones, health of a woman is the most neglected one. A ‘gender paradox’ is palpable. It has been found that although women live longer they fall sick more often, are more malnourished, complain of more pain and are more depressed. Despite all these women seek medical help much lesser than men.

In order to be empowered and be able to lead a healthy life

women have to be helped out of this mesh