'Women Power’ – in Neolithic, Medieval and Present times

The position of women in society and the power they wield has changed through the ages. During the Neolithic Age, women spent their days gathering berries, roots, nuts, etc. They also gathered materials to make pots and weapons. Women stayed on the home front and looked after the children, but were thought to be equal to men. The men hunted and brought home the food. Later on, with the start of agriculture, women also began to farm and weave cloth.

Medieval society, however, was patriarchal, Women were to fall under male control, and regardless of class women had to submit to the male head of her household. Rural women had many domestic responsibilities, like caring for the children, preparing food and tending livestock. They also had to lend a hand in other household activities like grinding, brewing and spinning. During harvest time,, women often helped their husbands in the field to bring in the crops. However, slowly women were increasingly relegated to low-paying tasks like spinning. They suffered a lot of criticism, lacked freedom and stood nowhere next to men.

Today, around the world, women’s status in each society and culture varies. In some societies, women’s status improved gradually, while in other, it has declined or remained unchanged. This is due to the major changes that have taken place in areas such as legislations, education, employment, awareness of their rights on the part of women, etc. In some societies, women have emerged as major political leaders, statesmen, doctors, lawyers, etc. In some places, she is still subjected to inhuman cruelty, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, etc.