The limited utility of Gender Lenses

 I was in Assam, in a small village of the Karbi-Anglong people. We were greeted by two Karbi women, and one of them tied a friendship band on my wrist. It felt lovely. It is always like this - in tourism, whenever I meet local women of any area, I feel a certain kinship, a bond, because I know we have many things in common.

In my travel company too, I employ many women. It is an unwritten rule, that we will prioritize hiring of women guides. Over the past 20 years, I think we have probably developed India's largest network of women in tourism, working not just as guides, but also as cooking hosts, art and architecture specialists, craft specialists, and so on. 

And yet - I do feel that the 'gender lens' is just one way to view the world. It is an appropriate lens sometimes. Gender injustice is real. But we should not forget that any lens, if used for too long, eventually excludes you from seeing other views. 

I use lenses very often, so that I can learn to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. But if I wear any singular lens all the time, it will diminish me. 

The universe is multi-dimensional and rich. You need a million lenses and an open heart to comprehend it compassionately. 

#deepasvoice #anekantvad

P. S. Thank you Nancy, for the lovely photo!