Over the years, your support has made Women’s Web the leading resource for women in India. Now, it is our turn to ask, how can we make this even more useful for you? Please take our short 5 minute questionnaire – your feedback is important to us!
Why do married women never feel welcome in their husbands' homes or even their parents homes after marriage? Where do they belong? Where is their home?
Why do married women never feel welcome in their husbands’ homes or even their parents homes after marriage? Where do they belong? Where is their home?
And one day, I asked myself, ‘Where do I belong?’ There I stood, staring at my own reflection, which eventually answered, ‘Nowhere.’
In the Indian society, for ages, it has been said that, after marriage, a girl’s house is the one where her husband lives. But o the in-laws actually accept the new member as a family member? If any of you say yes, I actually doubt that.
After taking the seven pheras, a woman becomes an integral part of the man’s bedroom, but she is hardly ever considered a part of the family. The couple may have been married for years but the woman is still considered an outsider.
I specifically remember two women who were talking about their husbands. These women were talking about how their husbands were close to their mothers in every matter. That made me wonder if the only reason the girls leave their own houses and families was to be a part of the kitchen and serve the man in his bedroom?
You’re given a hard dose of reality when your mother-in-law informs you ‘formally’ that the house isn’t yours. That, basically means you’re in that house only to sweep the floors, wash the clothes, cook for them and most importantly, to give birth to an heir. And mind you, this better be a male!
Large kingdoms have been lost, their names trashed now, but our society still desperately wants its waris. As if that will immortalise them and their name! (This makes me laugh)
When women realise that their married homes aren’t theirs (though legally it is) they turn to their parents. And though their parents love them, they can’t keep their daughter with them, log kya kahenge, you know?
Knowingly or unknowingly, even the parents make these women realise that they have to be the ones compromising and stay at their in-laws’ house. But that isn’t our house either!
Why can’t Indian parents just tell their daughters, “See, whatever happens, what matters is your happiness. And we are here with you, no matter what decision you take.”
But why do we as women see ourselves with all these crutches? Why can’t we just stand alone and strong just like that?
Picture credits: Still from short film Ghar Ki Murgi
Putting forth a hot caramelized mug full of thoughts and raging views. read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Relatives kissing children's penises made me wonder how this is leaving boys vulnerable to potential abuse under the garb of affection.
As we witness in all Indian family gatherings – whether a wedding, a birthday, or a summer vacation – nostalgia soaks us all.
However, one such gathering exposed me to a horrific practice that, though common in many houses worldwide, is very problematic.
It all started with my horror at hearing one of the supposedly funny anecdotes about my cousin’s birth.
If I have to adopt then why should I marry him? My clock is ticking and I want a child more than a husband.”
“Aunty what should I do? Tell naa! Guide me, help me to decide please,” Ruchi implored.
I, from my vantage point of view of sixty-five years, watched her thirty-something-year face full of hope, indecision, and preparedness to be happy or unhappy.
“He says he does not want a child. He has a daughter from his first marriage – his ex-wife too lives in the USA and they have shared custody. We have been chatting for the last six months online. In all other respects, I find him suitable but he doesn’t want a child.