Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
She held onto the hope that, in the future, she would find a way to live openly and freely as her authentic self, no longer confined by societal expectations or oppressive family dynamics.
Photo by Alex Jones on Unsplash
In the following account, we present a story based on true events. To protect the privacy and anonymity of those involved, names and specific details have been omitted. This narrative is a reflection of the very real struggles and triumphs faced by countless individuals in similar circumstances.
In the heart of rural India, the working woman faced an uphill battle in a family that epitomized traditional gender roles. She was the eldest of her siblings, but her father’s unwavering support for her younger brother underscored the deep-rooted male dominance that gripped her household. Her mother was the silent champion, her love an oasis of warmth and understanding in a desert of prejudice.
Amidst this familial struggle, the specter of caste-based discrimination cast a long shadow. She often found herself navigating a hostile work environment, one that, even in 2023, clung to outdated beliefs. The injustices she endured weighed on her, but she persevered, knowing that change was a gradual process that she was determined to be a part of.
At night, in the quiet of her room, she wrestled with her own identity. The dichotomy between societal expectations and her true self gnawed at her. She had always known she was different, and the realization that she was a lesbian was a secret she kept locked away, fearing the backlash that might come from revealing her true self.
Her mother had been her only refuge, a safe haven from the storm of discrimination, but when her mother passed away due to health issues, she lost her greatest confidante. Her world became even more challenging, but she carried her mother’s love and strength in her heart.
The continuing male dominance in her family and the relentless caste-based discrimination in her workplace only fueled her determination to save every rupee, to endure the unbearable, and to escape one day. She held onto the hope that, in the future, she would find a way to live openly and freely as her authentic self, no longer confined by societal expectations or oppressive family dynamics.
In the midst of her challenges, she clung to the memory of her mother’s love and the hope that someday she might break free from the chains that bound her. Her life was a symphony of sorrow and determination, a poignant reminder of the injustices that persisted in her world.
As the weight of male dominance, caste-based discrimination, and her own hidden identity bore down upon her, her story stood as a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of relentless adversity. Her path remained shrouded in uncertainty, and as she faced each day, the resounding echoes of her struggle served as a haunting reminder of a reality where dreams were often crushed under the weight of tradition and prejudice.
Transwoman from Bengaluru. Working as Vision System Engineer. As a journey in my life I am willing to create more awareness on social issues through writing. I love watching anime, listening to songs, driving and 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!
UP Boards Topper Prachi Nigam was trolled on social media for her facial hair; our obsession with appearance is harsh on young minds.
Prachi Nigam’s photo has been doing the rounds on social media for the right reasons. Well, scratch that- I wish the above statement were true. This 15-year-old girl should ideally be revelling in her spectacular achievement of scoring a whopping 98.05% and topping her tenth-grade boards. But oddly enough, along with her marks, it’s something else that garners more attention – her facial hair.
While the trolls are driving themselves giddy by mocking this girl who hasn’t even completed her school yet, the ones who are taking her side are going one step ahead – they are sharing her photoshopped pictures, sans the facial hair, looking nothing less than a celebrity with captions saying – “Prachi Nigam, ten years later”.
Doctors have already diagnosed her with PCOD in their comments, based on photographic evidence. While we have names for people shamed for their weight – body shaming, for their skin colour- racism, for their age- age shaming, for being a female- sexism, this category of shaming where one faces criticism for their appearance has no name. With that, it also has zero shame attached to it.
Please enter your email address