She’s like the bottom of the pot, where the spoon scrapes.
When there’s less inside, to put on our plates.
The bottom of the barrel that bears the pressure,
When it’s filled to the brim and there’s no ease or leisure.
The support for the busy of everyone else,
And when she’s not well, the support for herself.
She’s not like her husband who gets his food done,
When the doctor advises lifestyle changes and more sun.
She’s not at the park with her friends like the old men,
Who have nothing to do and more time they can spend.
The support for the busy of everyone else,
And when she’s not well, the support for herself.
This is something the medical profession should consider,
And talk to families still steeped in patriarchal traditions.
Because many men don’t do housework and some think it’s demeaning,
And they often don’t have the fortitude needed to handle children and difficult elderly senior citizens.
They need to wake up and offer support and caring,
And a doctor talking about this might make them more understanding.
Because she’s like the bottom of the barrel that bears the pressure,
When it’s filled to the brim and there’s no ease or leisure.
The support for the busy of everyone else,
And when she’s not well, often the ONLY support for herself.
The medical community needs to wake up and talk to families when women have serious health issues, because many women lack a support system at home for themselves.
Doctors need to talk to families about the kind of support and rest that is needed, and the duration of that support. Have a discussion about whether the family can provide it, and recommend counselling when there’s a lack, irrespective of whether it’s from the family, or whether it’s because the women themselves cling to customs that don’t allow them to accept support.
I do believe this is one factor that has a HUGE impact on the health of the Indian women and I believe a change in from the medical community in this respect will bring about a change.
Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay
See Copyright Notice for permissions to use the content of this blog. All rights reserved.
Hard-hitting truth..you explained it all so nicely.💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Navya! I hope it hits where it’s meant to and brings about a change.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So very true anita. However the medical community in india is not sensitised towards dealing with a medical issue in a holistic way. They not only lack training but also don’t have the time. Look at the long queues outside clinics and hospitals.
LikeLike
Hi Monita,
What you say is true. The approach when teaching doctors in medical schools could have an impact though.
I still think there’s some space for private doctors to lead change. One very prominent hospital has a printed list of guidelines and their patient is sent to a doctor for a short talk on them, after regular consultation.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
Conversations matter too.
LikeLike