The role of Asian women in history and the transitions that they faced through ages
Asian women have a remarkable record in history. All over the world, they women have been outstanding in almost all fields. These women have gone through massive oppression in their respective countries. No Asian woman could rule a kingdom, write literature, lead armies or participate in war. The western world portrays them as sexists. On the contrary, these women are warriors who have stood up to be recognized in different fields of profession (Taehakkyo & Yonguso, 2004).
According to tradition of many Asian countries, women were more submissive and observed family discipline. They became property of their husbands, and never questioned decisive matters. Men viewed them as being socially immature with little moral control. Their main work in the household was maintenance and management of house chores.
They were also entitled to take care of the family and look after their husbands’ property. Up to date, such practices are still carried out in some Asian countries. With the much outcry of the woman’s position in the society, many women have had to defy these outdated practices.
During war, the battle field was immensely dominated by men. However, brave women in Asia opted to take up this role and make a mark in it. In the west of Asia, women have taken up roles in administration, diplomacy and activism ever since the pre-Islamic period began.
Their counterpart in the central Asia particularly in the Afghanistan and Pakistan participated in war after most of their husbands and sons had died. In south and Southeast Asia, women established a strong figure in the society when they began participating in martial arts.
They led by example. They took part in war and came out victorious. Good examples are the queens and princesses in Filipino and India, who participated in arts of war. In Indonesia, a large number of women took part in training and recruitment of Tamil fighters. The wave was more similar in Vietnam, with the magnificent piece of Trunng Trac and Trung Nhi who led their country to rebel against china warlords.
Other than participating in war, Asian women have acted as unifying factors in most conflicting situations. They have held conferences in various countries and have come up with ways to resolve conflicts affecting their countries.
They played a major role in the brokering of peace deals in Vietnam, Nepal and Tibet. They also question the capability of military government in these war torn countries (Taehakkyo & Yonguso, 2004). These women have struggled to fight racism and cultural segregation as well. This gave rise to many governments to acknowledge women rights as fundamental within the society.
In the north east countries like Mongolia, women are exceptional. They have acquired Nobel recognition. In the middle ages, young girls from china became famous by producing good literature touching on humility, obedience and honesty. These women never limited themselves and have even featured in the hall of fame. They have been successful in the world of film. A good example is Anna May Wong, who pursued her carrier in the film industry.
As a result, many have followed suit, bringing up good actresses in Hollywood. This has paved way to other outstanding female figures in Asia to broaden their wings in other field such as fashion, design and the entertainment industry. As a result, the famous “bollywood” was founded, which has given a chance to many women actresses from India to out show their prowess in this field. Young girls have also taken up the challenge to venture in this field too (Smith, 2005).
In the world of sport, many Asian women have excelled tremendously. Asia has produced good female athletes over the years. These female athletes dominate various sports, gaining glory in various activities. The work force of women in Asian industries is on the rise.
This is due to their urge to get employment. The labor force is increasing due to the high number of female enrolling in learning institutions. Others have developed entrepreneurship skills (Trinh & Sciachitano, 2004). More women have made history in becoming successful business ladies in Asia.
With the coming of communism in china and Iran, many women underwent transformative revolution. In addition, they changed their social status and role in the society. They took up the role of activism by protesting against oppression and ill fated propaganda. These women involved themselves in politics and sorted to seek justice, equality and advocacy for education. They opted to take higher public position and were in the fore front to bring change in these Asian countries; earning respect in the world at large.
Revolution in the education sector led to more women enrolling to education systems, more so higher education. Moreover, it prompted the women to be key instruments in the economy of the Asian countries. With the acquisition of skills from learning institution, women have been the favorite of many working institution since they are very accurate and keen at work.
Asian women have made a mark in the field of literature. They have produced marvelous work by writing and publishing literature books that cut across political field and issues concerning the society. This has given them credit in their aspect of transition. Best writers from china and India have earned accolades for the good job they have done.
Their books talk about various issues and concerns in the society. Gender reforms also engaged these women to be vibrant in societal matters. The transformation prompted massive contradiction of tradition and customs. Women in Asia still uphold the culture and traditions as well as practicing equal civil rights in the society.
In religion, women have been key persons to provide inspiration to the society. An example is mother Teresa who played a crucial role in the society for transforming lives of people. As many get inspired, Guru Nanak got his inspiration from his sister Mata Nanak who was also a Sikh. They are well known in most Asian countries as the best figure to uphold religion in the society (Yokongdi & Benson, 2005).
With the outcry of change, many women have transformed to the ways of the modern world. Many of these Asian countries have embraced the new technology and lessen their stand on strict rules of their countries. Countries such as India have given their women opportunities to exercise rights and embrace the modern world.
Some countries still refuse to give freedom to their women. They are denied crucial women rights. Countries such as Afghanistan are still under Taliban rules, thus many women are still illiterate and lack basic rights to exercise their freedom unlike their counterparts in the rest of the world (Shevrin, Islam & Rey, 2009).
Women in Asia will stop at nothing to see that they make a mark in history. Their transformation will still be part of history making. In almost all fields, the women are well represented and more women are actively ensuring that their voices are heard.
References
Shevrin, C. T., Islam, N. S. & Rey, M. J. (2009). Asian American communities and health: context, research, policy, and action. New York: John Wiley and Sons.
Smith, B. G. (2005). Women’s history in global perspective. Illinois: University of Illinois Press.
Taehakkyo, S. Y., & Yonguso, A. Y. (2004). Asian women. Hong Kong: Sookmyung Women’s University Press.
Trinh, L. V. & Sciachitano, M. (2004). Asian American women. Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press.
Yokongdi, V. & Benson, J. (2005). Women in Asian management. New York: Routledge.