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I like to write about the problems that have plagued the Indian society. I feel that the concept of gender equality is still alien , and that has been the focus of my articles and posts.
Perception matters, as does integrity. 12th Fail is an interesting film that had many learnings for me, including some unsavoury ones.
Ironically, these women cannot breathe a sigh of relief until their son is married. And yet, the moment he is married, they spend their entire time and energy instigating the son against his wife.
Rajshri Deshpande, who played the fiery protagonist in Trial by Fire along with Abhay Deol speaks of her journey and her social work.
This is what most men want from marriage anyway right? A woman who can serve, that too without complaining and demanding anything in return! I think this young boy should start making more of these robot bahus.
It's a well known fact that women have to work harder to be even considered anywhere equal to men, they are paid less for the same work, and of course, they can never expect the same respect. Right?
Patriarchy teaches us that sex for women is a giveaway and for men it is a takeaway. Women since ages were conditioned to believe that sexual intercourse is an activity which provides pleasure to men.
The female condom is the most empowering invention ever made for women who finally do not have to depend upon careless male partners.
People have relationships without marriages. People cheat. People break up all the time. Just because two people followed some rituals does not make them more adept at tolerating each other for life.
Why is it so easy to discredit women, especially in legal proceedings? It seems that a woman's life and choice (even unrelated ones) generates more attention and scrutiny than the alleged illegal acts of accused men!
This judgment is a tight slap on all the 'beasts' who feel that just because they have found a woman who is committed to them, they can scar every fiber of her being.
Indian society defines a man's family as his parents, brothers, sisters, sisters in law, children, uncles, aunts, and the wife who 'comes in from outside'. But a man who is nice to his wife's parents is a joru ka ghulam.
Parents get old. When considering care for elderly parents, a son's parents have a right to it, but what about a daughter's parents?
Pragya Singh, an acid attack survivor, works to rehabilitate and empower acid attack survivors through Atijeevan Foundation, that calls for skin donation.
They would spend the night together in Pune. Unlike last time, she would not split the expenses. Unlike last time, this night would be all about her.
But this was not a movie. This was real life. It was unfair. It was cruel. It was ordinary. It was mundane. It was uncertain.
In a society like ours, women often draw their power from perpetuating patriarchy further, and the husband's sister could well be an adversary. But some women are bucking this trend.
Daane daanne pe likha hai khane wale ka naam. While making the halwa, Kajri had wished she could take it for her children. Maybe madam will give me leftovers.
In a society where women are routinely shamed for their choices and also for things beyond their control, Priya-Alika Elias' book Besharam is required reading.
He would try to meet her on her way to college. He tried his best to convince Sarla. Every time she saw him, her heart would beat faster. She would feel like getting close to him. She would dream about them together.
A domestic fight with her husband was broadcasted live to the mother-in-law without her awareness. A fight in which she was losing it. Screaming. Abusing. A call was made to her parents as well.
India has the lowest divorce rate in the world, and its 'culture' is proudly cited to be the reason. But is that really a good thing? What does this do to the couples in these marriages?
Why are we so terrified of the laws against sexual harassment at work "because they could be misused"? But any laws could be misused, so what do we have against something that protects women?
Indian men take their rights to violence for granted - that they can raise their hands at or be abusive to a woman. Preferably a woman married to them, but any woman will do.
Men often unite in their misogyny. But women get divided by the same, speaking up against each other in their unwitting support of patriarchy, competing for brownie points of their men. Stop, already!
Men are afraid now, as the #metoo movement heats up, indulging in a lot of whataboutery and minimising of the claims of the women who are speaking up. 5 strong women counter this in a panel at #blrlitfest.
As I grew up I rebelled against the ingrained sexism I perceived in festivals and traditions. But recently, I realised that it is about the celebration, and meeting up with family and friends, changing my outlook.
There are umpteen stories of mother in law - daughter in law problems. Why is this so when there aren't so many stories of father in law - son in law issues? The answer will surprise you.
Getting married because you are of 'marriageable age' and a 'good proposal' comes along has been the chains that bind women. Once tied up, it's the end of their potential.
Household work is for girls, not boys, we tell girls, while telling boys that it is their job to earn for the household. Makes for good male managers, who are helpless at home. Why?
Judging women for owning their sexual needs and actually taking steps for them. The recent debates over Veere di Wedding and Lipstick Under My Burkha are symptoms of this social malady.
Have you met men who say they support feminism, however now women are taking it too far? Men who claim to be feminists? What do they typically say? How do you respond?
Wives have traditionally been put second by husbands, after their in laws and his extended family, and now after a bromance too?
Hatred against women, and especially women who are perceived as rejecting a man (or even certain kinds of women) is literally killing us.
Rachana Gupta's insightful book explores what truly makes us happy, and how a Happiness ki Khoj is not as difficult as it sounds.
Is the only way to compliment girls by saying they look pretty/cute/like a princess? It sets them up for failure by telling them their looks are superior to their selves!
Why do Indian families feel that if a man has lost his purpose in life, is abusive, or suffers from any addictions, the best thing to do for him would be to get him married?
What is it with Indian men, and their sudden declarations of respect for parents, their values, and Indian culture? Do they mean it, or is it just convenient?
Living with in-laws after marriage is considered the default for most Indian women. But is this always out of choice or is it the only option for them? Are they considered evil if they refuse?
The Adamant Eves is an an all women group that performs an improvised comedy act based on cues from the audience. They have done two houseful shows in Bangalore till date.
Women’s homemaking work is seen as something easy, something that comes ‘naturally’ and something they should continue doing all their lives. But…one woman refuses.
Any marriage is a gamble. But isn't an arranged marriage, something most Indians find themselves going through, an even bigger one? How does it really work?
She might marry later in life, but does that mean the Indian woman should ignore her sexual needs? For what? Societal judgement and parental disapproval?
Don’t you think that boy should get traced? His parents should not feel ashamed that they did not teach the right values to their son? Is it only your daughter who did something wrong?
KBC crorepati Anamika Majumdar might be a winner, but her husband clearly considered her a 'not good enough wife'.
What gives a married man the right to force himself on his wife? Is she a slave? Has he bought her? Does he own her? How is it any less than any other form of physical assault? How is it NOT criminal?
You know why generation after generation men are getting away with this behavior? Because women are tolerating it! They are to be blamed equally! And their parents too!
What option does he have, poor boy! Keep neglecting your husband! I never say anything. I am such a kind, understanding woman. You are lucky to have me as a mother-in-law.
Women are always told to ‘settle down’, but guess what? The 20s are your time to experiment!
Why do women of so many educated families succumb to dowry harassment? As a society, why are we failing to empower women, despite education?
‘Step Up: How Women Can Perform Better For Success’ by Anju Jain is a non-fictional book that provides insights into gender disparity at the workplace, and strategies for women to overcome it.
She and I broke up, the way regular, heterosexual people break up! Wait a minute! You don’t think YOU have changed, do you?
Are you a single woman in India and considering dating again for a long term, meaningful relationship? Here are some things you should know.
Mom movie review: Sridevi starrer Mom is a powerful story of a mother, and draws you in, despite a somewhat unbelievable storyline.
Her youngest son had a girlfriend. She had come to know that the duo had gone to Goa together. How could she accept a daughter-in-law who was so open-minded?
A failed marriage, or the loneliness of being single affects both. Why focus only on the tragedy of the woman, thwarting her spirit and confidence?
Does 13 Reasons Why glorify suicide? This show is about a high school girl who commits suicide, and leaves 13 audio tapes about the reasons why she did it.
If you read Half Girlfriend and found the immature, shallow protagonist a drag, watch the movie to find out...that it is no better!
It is time we stopped worshipping the superwoman. She became a superwoman because she is married to a super archaic, super manipulative, super selfish idiot.
The Secret Diary of Kasturba by Neelima Dalmia Adhar is a fictional chronicle of the life of Kasturba Gandhi, the wife of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
"But was she being selfish? Was she not supposed to think about her future? Kunal would be her husband. She could not just disregard his opinions." A short story.
“Have some fun, if it is meant to get serious, it will. If not, your generation is mature enough to deal with it!”
Avantika Debnath's debut book The Bridal Pyre - Nainam Dahati Pavakah is the story of a woman facing a nightmarish life after an arranged marriage.
These inventions that have empowered women have enabled them to live much better lives, and freed them up to reach for those glass ceilings.
An abusive arranged marriage motivated by dowry - the self respecting woman in this story didn't stand for it and filed for divorce.
What experience does a woman go through in our patriarchal family courts when she decides to move out of a marriage in this country?
I use makeup just because I love using it, so why should anyone else have a problem with that? My face, my choice!
Remember that evil bahu from Baghban who was all set to destroy the Great Indian Family? In reality, the daughter-in-law in many Indian households is forced to fight for her privacy and her very dignity.
The scary thing about Chetan Bhagat's One Indian Girl that claims to be feminist, is that those who read it will end up with a skewed perspective of feminism.
Why do criminals in India believe they will get away with their brutal crimes against women? Simply because there is precedent for it!
Why is it that the needs of the elderly, especially their need for companionship, is made invisible by society? Why can't they remarry in their old age?
Actress Shweta Basu Prasad won our hearts with her performance in movies like Iqbal, and Makdee. This video of Shweta Basu talking of her experiences after being accused of prostitution, is motivating.
Rarely do we discuss about self-worth in young women. Here's an interesting video that urges all women to respect themselves enough, to walk away from bad relationships.
In a case of accidental pregnancy, the woman's choice to be a mother or not has to be respected as it has emotional and physical consequences says High court on abortion rights in India.
Why do married men hit on single women and feel that we should be grateful for it too? Here’s a fitting rejoinder to these men. Being a single woman in the late 20s is tough. We don’t really get a chance to meet new men. Just the ones from our daily routine – colleagues, cab […]
A 31 year old Italian woman, Tiziana Cantone committed suicide after a video of her engaging in a sexual act became viral on the internet. Here’s more. According to the Guardian, Cantone had sent the video of herself to some friends including an ex-boyfriend, although other sources including La Repubblica report that she had sent the video to five friends […]
The movie 'Parched' revolves around the lives, of four women chained by old-traditions. This promising movie, is all set to release on September 23. Read on.
A single woman's life is scrutinized and judged. Societal attitudes towards single women needs change and women must choose not be affected judgemental people.
Beyonce's daughter was trolled for her appearance, by women themselves. Women often judge other women including children based on looks which is demeaning and unhealthy.
Statistics suggest that there has been a seven-fold increase in the number of honour killings’ in India. Why is the honour of the family placed on a woman's shoulders?
Forcing women to marry after completing education is not fair. Women must be given a fair chance to explore and decide what they desire in life.
Samantha Jo Fitzsimons backpacked across India with an Indian colleague. Her experiences are documented in this very interesting film.
While surrogacy laws in India ostensibly protects the rights of surrogates, moral policing seems to be the real concern, than women's health.
The tweets in social media about ending ‘Female foeticide’ proves that a woman’s existence has to be justified in some way, even today! The past week we witnessed history. P V Sindhu, Sakshi Malik and several other Indian women made us proud with their outstanding performance in the Olympics. Social media was flooded with articles […]
Every woman has a journey and a story to tell. Walking Towards Ourselves is a kaleidoscope of such journeys capturing the experiences of diverse women in India.
Lakme fashion week held its first ever plus size model auditions. They've sent out a strong message to embrace ourselves and our bodies. Here's more.
Captain Radhika Menon becomes the first woman to receive the award for Exceptional Bravery at sea, challenging the stereotype that bravery is only associated with men.
This true story of how Canadians helped a Syrian family reinforces the belief that kindness and humanity still exist.
Pavan Amara founder of the 'My Body Back' project is a rape survivor. She's transforming the lives of women in the United Kingdom. Here's how.
In a landmark judgment by the Supreme court, a woman who was a rape survivor from Mumbai was allowed to abort her 24-week foetus. Here's more about the abortion laws.
By creating powerful characters like' Moana', Disney is setting a new trend of creating strong role models for the upcoming generation.
An Indian daughter-in-law today is no longer willing to do everything and anything that her in-laws want her too. It is time the in-laws and husbands realized this.
Widespread outrage ensued after news of a Dalit girl from Kerala being forced to drink phenyl emerged. Is this true education in our colleges?
In so many parts of India, a woman is easily labelled a witch. Why are women soft targets? Read to know more.
A mother looks at raising a son who will become a man with the right values, while hiding from him the truth of his birth to protect him.
Neerja taught us that saying NO to violence is important - both the domestic and of terrorism. Wouldn't she have remained a mere statistic otherwise?
What would Suzette Jordan, otherwise known as the Park Street rape survivor, say to her readers if she could write to them from her place of rest now?
Kriya was brought up an independent, modern woman. But the minute her marriage was fixed, things changed. After all, wasn't she supposed to be the 'good daughter in law'? A short story.
Julia Roberts' character in Pretty Woman says that she wanted the whole fairy tale. Is it too much to ask for? An insightful poem by Tanvi Sinha.
A mother writes to her son, what consent means. Do read.
The story of a mother dreamed big with her daughter, only to miss a glaringly obvious truth with her son, Antithesis will shock you with its gender-reversal and of course, its ending.
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