Rama Rajya, the reign of Lord Rama, was a society that upheld the principles of gender equality from a spiritual perspective. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that the soul within everyone has a similar nature, regardless of their physical body. The Vedic culture recognized the physiological and psychological differences between men and women and encouraged women to take care of their families, while men went out to work.
In Rama Rajya, the importance of having sons was emphasized, as they could give oblations to their forefathers and elevate their departed souls’ positions. However, this did not justify the killing or abortion of female fetuses, which was considered a big sin. Women always assisted their male family members and gained pious credit for doing so. Additionally, women were protected in Rama Rajya, as they were sensitive and could be easily exploited by evil forces. They were protected by their father as a child, by their husband after marriage, and by their son after their husband’s death.
Furthermore, the Vedic culture stressed the importance of surrendering to Krishna and performing pure devotional service. The realization that the soul is neither female nor male comes through bhakti yoga. Those who do not engage in bhakti yoga need to engage in karma kanda, which means they need sons and grandsons for offering oblations. The only alternative to having sons is to perform devotional service to Krishna. If both are not done, hell is guaranteed as per the scriptures.
When we look at the statistics and compare the safety and protection of women in modern times to that in Rama Rajya, we see a stark contrast. According to a 2021 study by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, India was ranked as the most dangerous country in the world for women due to high rates of violence, including rape, sexual harassment, and domestic violence. Similarly, the United States is not far behind, with an estimated 1 in 5 women experiencing sexual assault during their lifetime, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
In contrast, Rama Rajya provided extra protection to women and made sure that they were not subjected to harassment, rape, or abuse. The Vedic culture stresses the importance of protecting women and treating them with respect and care. In Rama Rajya, women were not only protected but also given ample opportunities to contribute to society. Sita, for instance, was not just a dutiful wife and mother but also a wise counselor to Rama, playing an instrumental role in ending Ravana’s tyranny and restoring dharma.
Other women, such as Shabari, Sabala, and Mandodari, made significant contributions to Rama Rajya as well. The women in Rama Rajya were valued for their unique qualities and strengths, and they were not discriminated against or ill-treated. Therefore, it is evident that gender equality in Rama Rajya was far superior to that in the modern world, where women still face numerous challenges and dangers.
In conclusion, Rama Rajya was a society that not only upheld the principles of gender equality but also recognized and celebrated the unique qualities and strengths of both men and women. It valued family, duty, devotion, and spirituality, and provided a safe and secure environment for all its citizens to flourish and lead meaningful lives. The only way to achieve true spiritual equality is through surrendering to Krishna and performing pure devotional service.
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