Women’s Web is saying Goodbye! Please make sure you read this important notification.
Dear Women’s Web Community Member,
You may have wondered at our being on the quieter side during the last couple of months. Thank you for your patience, and we wanted to come back to you with a detailed note on what’s been happening at our end of things.
When we first began Women’s Web, as a blog from one woman’s desk along with a few like-minded souls, little could we have imagined the heights that it would soar to. Over the years, Women’s Web has published over 20000 stories (almost all by women), empowered countless women with the ideas, community and resources to chase their dreams, employed hundreds of women in core and project-based roles, and in the process, emerged as the OG women’s community in India. It has also inspired many others to build communities of a similar nature, all enabling women (and other-underrepresented groups) in their own ways.
Thank you for being with us on this beautiful and empowering journey that was Women’s Web. We could not have done it without you.
After 14 years of being a community-led platform, we have come to a junction where we needed to pause and take stock of where we are and where each of us would like to go. While we count our successes and blessings, we as a team have decided that it is time for us to explore new avenues and challenges; we are therefore halting operations for Women’s Web and will no longer be publishing new content.
As for the existing material on Women’s Web, it has been built through the power of this wonderful community, and we would like for each community member to be able to take their own writing and use it elsewhere, should they like to. Hence, the Women’s Web platform will be available until Aug 30 – please use these two months to take copies of any of your own content (whether published, or submitted and not yet published). Subsequently, this archive may no longer be available.
The path of entrepreneurship is often unpredictable, and while we’ve had many wins, we’ve also faced tough challenges that have led us to where we are now – it has not been an easy decision by any means but we know that many of you will be cheering for us no matter what we do next, and we hope to stay connected.
We want to take this opportunity to thank every team member, writer, community member, partner, and customer who has been a part of our story. Your support and engagement have meant the world to us.
Saying goodbye is tough but we hope that the connections the community made with each other and us lives on and inspires the next generation of women like it has done the last 14 years.
Regards
Aparna Vedapuri Singh and Anju Jayaram
Founding Team, Women’s Web
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 via Unsplash
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The concept of Financial Planning for the Girl Child in India carries significant weight, mostly due to societal and economic disparities. It is crucial to empower girls by ensuring their financial stability and independence from a young age. One such scheme aimed at strengthening the financial backbone of the Indian girl child is the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY).
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana empowers parents or guardians to begin saving for the future of the girl child, namely her education and marriage. Introduced by the Government of India as part of the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, the scheme has been offering impressive benefits over time.
SSY, a small deposit scheme, accepts deposits from parents or legal guardians of a girl child until she turns ten years old. Currently, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana offers an impressive annual interest rate of 7.6% compounded annually, which is amongst the highest compared to other small savings schemes. The maximum amount that can be deposited in a single financial year is ₹1.5 lakh, and the minimum deposit amount required is ₹250.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is tax-exempt under section 80C of the Income Tax Act, and interest earned is also tax-free. Besides, the matured amount withdrawn by the girl upon reaching 21 years of age will also be completely non-taxable.
The account under this scheme matures after 21 years from the date of opening, or till the girl’s marriage after she turns 18. An account holder can operate more than one account in the name of two separate children. However, the combined deposit in these accounts cannot exceed ₹1.5 lakh in a financial year.
Partial withdrawal of up to 50% of the balance is permitted after the child turns 18 to cater to the education expenditure. However, if the account isn’t closed, it continues to earn the applicable interest.
The power of compounding is the key to earning substantial returns from the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. Let’s consider an example – if you invest ₹1.5 Lakhs every year for 15 years, the total invested amount will be ₹22,50,000. With an annual interest rate of 7.6%, the maturity value at the end of the 21st year will be approximately ₹69,73,042.
However, it’s crucial that investors gauge the pros and cons of such a long-term investment, given the fluctuating market interests and future financial requirements.
The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or tax advice. It’s recommended to consult with a qualified professional or conduct thorough research before making any financial decisions. Also, note that the assumptions made and the values used in the examples and calculations are subject to change based on government notifications.
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a government-sponsored savings scheme designed for the girl child’s future financial needs. It offers a high interest rate, tax benefits, and reasonable deposit limits. However, it’s important to understand the operation mode, benefits, returns, and terms of the scheme before investing in it. Using a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana calculator can help you estimate the returns and better plan your investments. Remember that the investments should align well with your financial goals, and it’s advisable to evaluate other available options for optimizing returns. Lastly, always be aware of the market trends and consider the future requirements before making such a long-term financial commitment.
Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay
Discover how 1Win transforms sports betting for users in Bangladesh with its extensive range of cricket bets, easy deposit methods, legal assurances, and top-notch customer support. Learn how to register and get answers to common questions, all on a secure, regulated, and user-friendly platform designed for a seamless betting experience.
The dynamic world of gambling has significantly transformed with the rise of the internet, bringing the excitement of betting and casino games to the digital space. Online gambling has made it convenient for enthusiasts to engage in their favourite pastimes from the comfort of their own homes. Within this evolving landscape, 1Win has emerged as one of the best bookmakers in Bangladesh.
Offering a wide array of services including sports betting, live casino games, and virtual sports, 1Win caters to the diverse preferences of players. This review will delve into the features and advantages of using 1Win, shedding light on why it stands out as a premier choice for Bangladeshi players. Understanding these offerings is crucial, as it helps players make informed decisions and enhances their overall gambling experience.
The official site of 1Win offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, marked by its clear and intuitive navigation. The site features a well-structured hierarchy with distinct tabs in the header, including sections for Casino, Bonuses, and Sports, enhancing ease of access for users. Each tab leads to dedicated areas filled with extensive options, facilitating quick navigation and a tailored gambling experience.
The mobile version of 1Win mirrors this usability, offering a responsive design that ensures optimal display across all devices, from desktops to smartphones. The app’s responsive design makes gambling convenient, whether users are at home or on the go, ensuring that all features and functionalities are readily accessible.
1Win offers a broad range of services tailored to meet the varied interests of online gamblers. The platform boasts an extensive sportsbook, where users can place bets on popular sports like cricket, football, and tennis. Additionally, 1Win features a live casino section, allowing players to engage in real-time games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, providing an immersive casino experience from their homes. Virtual sports and e-sports are also available, catering to modern gaming enthusiasts. Overall, 1Win ensures a comprehensive online gambling experience with its diverse service offerings.
The 1Win casino section boasts a rich selection of over 2,000 games, catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of players. The platform features an impressive variety of themes that transport users to different worlds, from ancient civilizations and futuristic landscapes to classic fruit machines and adventure-filled quests. With top-notch partnerships with renowned game developers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, and Play’n GO, players are guaranteed high-quality graphics, engaging gameplay, and fair outcomes.
In particular, 1Win aligns well with the gaming interests of Bangladeshi players. The Crash Games are a popular choice, involving simple yet thrilling mechanics where players can multiply their stakes by cashing out at the right moment before a crash, a great example being the 1Win Aviator. For those who prefer spinning the reels, Slots offer endless possibilities, with classic 3-reel machines and elaborate 5-reel video slots that often come with bonus rounds and free spins.
Live Casino games bring the traditional casino experience to the digital realm, featuring real-time interactions with professional dealers in games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. This provides an immersive and social gaming environment directly from the player’s home. Table Games such as poker, craps, and sic bo further enrich the casino experience, allowing strategic play and testing one’s skills against others or the house.
1Win ensures that every player finds something to suit their tastes, embracing modern trends while respecting classic preferences. This comprehensive offering guarantees that whether players seek excitement, strategy, or a bit of both, they will always find a game that captures their interest.
1Win BD offers a variety of exciting bonuses that enhance the gaming experience for both new and experienced players. These bonuses range from free spins and generous deposit bonuses to enticing signup bonuses and referral program benefits. Dive into the sections below to find out more about each bonus and how you can take advantage of them to boost your gameplay.
Players can enjoy up to 100 free spins by making their first deposit. These free spins can be used on selected slot games and offer a great opportunity to win without additional cost. Claim your free spins by depositing a minimum amount specified on the promotions page.
1Win Casino offers deposit bonuses that can reach up to 200% of the deposited amount, with a maximum limit being 35 000 BDT. These bonuses are automatically credited to players’ accounts after making a qualifying deposit. Use these bonuses to explore games and win real money.
New players are greeted with a generous signup bonus of up to 50 000 BDT on their first deposit. This bonus is a great incentive for those just starting, providing extra funds to try out different games. Simply register and make an initial deposit to claim this bonus.
The 1Win bet platform offers a meticulously designed experience for enthusiast bettors, providing options that cater to both beginners and seasoned punters. The platform boasts an extensive prematch line, allowing users to place bets on their favourite teams and sports events before they start. This includes a wide spectrum of sports, from popular ones like cricket and football to niche options such as darts and esports. The prematch line includes competitive odds and multiple betting markets, ensuring that bettors have an array of choices to suit their strategies.
For those who thrive on real-time action, the live betting feature at 1Win is unparalleled. The live line offers a dynamic and engaging experience, allowing users to place bets as the events unfold. This feature is complemented by the ability to watch match broadcasts directly on the platform, immersing the bettor in the thrill of the game. With live odds updating in real-time, the feature caters to those who prefer making quick, informed decisions based on the current flow of the match.
1Win covers a vast array of sports, reflecting the diverse interests of its users. Cricket, being immensely popular in Bangladesh, has a strong presence on the platform, with comprehensive coverage of domestic and international matches. Football enthusiasts will find numerous leagues and tournaments to bet on, from the English Premier League to local competitions. Additionally, sports like tennis, basketball, and kabaddi are featured, providing a well-rounded sportsbook experience. Overall, 1Win’s sports betting section is designed to offer a seamless and thrilling betting environment, making it a top choice for sports enthusiasts in the region.
Cricket remains one of the most beloved sports in Bangladesh and around the globe, offering fans not just excitement on the field, but also a variety of betting opportunities. For many bettors, cricket provides a thrilling challenge due to its complex and strategic nature. 1Win capitalizes on this by providing an extensive range of betting options that cater to both beginners and seasoned bettors alike. Below are some key types of cricket bets available on the platform:
After performing 1Win bet login, users gain access to a variety of popular cricket betting options on the platform:
Making a deposit on 1Win is a straightforward process tailored to cater to users in Bangladesh. To begin, log into your account and navigate to the “1Win deposit” section in the user dashboard. Select one of the accepted payment methods, specify the amount, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transaction. 1Win accepts various payment methods popular in Bangladesh, ensuring seamless deposits.
Popular Deposit Methods at 1Win Bangladesh:
Players in Bangladesh can confidently enjoy 1Win, as it operates under a valid gaming licence from the Curaçao eGaming Authority, ensuring strict regulatory adherence. This licensing guarantees fair play, secure transactions, and transparent operations. The platform’s commitment to legality and player protection makes it a trustworthy choice for online gaming and sports betting enthusiasts. Users can indulge in their favourite games and sports bets without concern, knowing that 1Win upholds robust legal standards and provides a safe, regulated environment for all its services.
The Customer Support team at 1Win is dedicated to ensuring a seamless experience for users in Bangladesh. Available 24/7, the team is known for its responsiveness and commitment to resolving issues swiftly. Players can reach out via live chat for instant assistance, with average response times of under five minutes. Email support is also available for more detailed inquiries, typically addressed within 24 hours. Whether it’s a technical issue, payment query, or general question, the 1Win Customer Support team stands ready to provide timely and effective solutions.
Performing 1Win login is a quick and straightforward process for users in Bangladesh. Follow these steps to start your online gaming and betting journey:
Yes, 1Win operates in Bangladesh and offers a localized experience tailored to the needs of Bangladeshi users, including popular payment methods and coverage of local sports events. Players can enjoy a seamless betting experience on a trusted platform.
Withdrawal times on 1Win vary by payment method. E-wallets and mobile payment providers usually process withdrawals instantly, while bank transfers and card withdrawals can take 1-3 business days. Refer to the payment section for specific details.
1Win is licensed by the Curaçao eGaming Authority, which enforces strict regulations to ensure fair play and secure transactions. The platform uses advanced encryption technologies to protect user data, ensuring a transparent and safe betting environment.
Over the years, the Indian government has taken significant steps to empower women. One of these steps has been to provide them with monetary perks and concessions. Stamp duty exemptions, property tax exemptions, home credit subsidies, and lower interest rates on home loans are just a few examples. In this article information on Income TaxSlab for Woman, Income Tax Benefits for Women and Income Tax Exemption for Women.
However, beginning in the FY (Financial Year) 2012-13, the government has abandoned this approach and replaced it with a single income tax slab for both men and women. There is no longer a separate income tax bracket for women, and there are no particular income tax exemptions for women.
The applicable tax rates based on one’s income and age are referred to as Income Tax Slabs. While the technique of categorizing remains the same, the slabs are subject to change during each Union Budget. The tax rates stay the same as the previous financial year in a budget where no adjustments are officially announced.
The Income Tax Act allows you to claim tax benefits on home loan interest payments. If the taxpayer lives in the house, deductions of up to INR 200,000 are permitted under certain circumstances. Under some circumstances, a deduction of INR 50,000 maybe available to first-time buyers.
Although women’s income in India is taxed at the same rate as men’s, knowing how to save money on taxes is crucial. When a woman understands how and where to save money on taxes, her purchasing power increases, allowing her to become more self-sufficient.
You can get a tax break of up to 1.5 lakh on your profits, if you have earn profit from the following:
Tax benefits can be claimed on interest paid on a loan used to complete senior secondary education. The loan can be for the borrower, their spouse, or their children. Exemption claims can be made for up to eight years or until interest is paid. Fortunately, there is no cap on how much you can claim.
For a girl kid under the age of ten, a woman can open an SSY account. As a parent or legal guardian, you can deposit up to INR 150,000 and get a guaranteed 8.5 percent return until your child turns 21. The interest as well as the maturity amount are tax-free.
If you do not get House Rent Allowance, this exemption applies to your rent payment. The amount of this exemption is limited to the lesser of the following:
Exemption from paying health insurance premiums for oneself, one’s spouse, dependent children, parents, and so on. The following is the exemption’s upper limit:
This clause allows for medical treatment exemptions for disabled or dependent family members. The exemption limitations under this provision are as follows:
Contributions to charitable organizations and a few relief funds are eligible for tax exemptions. In some situations, you maybe eligible for a tax deduction of up to 50% of your donation, while contributions to other programmes are tax-free 100 percent of the time.
As a result of these exemptions and income tax benefits, women can significantly lower their tax liability by making appropriate investments and expenditures. Despite the fact that these investments are often long-term, they can be quite useful when it comes to tax savings.
Image source: kzenon Free for Canva Pro
This is a true story. The name of the woman has been changed to protect privacy.
Shruti’s life was a living hell. Physical and emotional abuse meted out by her husband and his family were not only affecting her but her two young children as well.
One day the toxic home atmosphere forced her to take a drastic decision. She got into a train with her children and fled to another city. She knew nobody in that city. She had very little money with her. After struggling for many years, she made a new life for herself and her children. Today, she is working and supporting her children. She is divorced, and though she did not get adequate monetary compensation to raise her children, she says it doesn’t matter. She is free!
Not many women who suffer domestic violence are able to break free. Shockingly, in India, research indicates that 87% of women who suffer domestic violence do not report it!
According to a 2023 study published in PLoS One, it is estimated that in India, 32% of women who have been married have reported experiencing physical, sexual, or emotional violence from their husbands. The most common type of domestic violence is physical (28%), followed by emotional (14%), and sexual (6%). Considering that so many cases go unreported, this is the proverbial tip of the iceberg.
In India, domestic violence against women includes physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse, as well as economic exploitation. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, defines domestic violence as any act that causes bodily pain or endangers the victim’s life, limb, health, or development. A debatable point is that marital rape is illegal only if the victim is under 15 years.
The inherent cause of domestic violence is patriarchy. But trigger issues can be many, including alcoholism or drug abuse, mental instability of the perpetrator, the abusive partner having an affair, desire for a male child, dowry harassment, anger issues, and poverty leading to frustration and violence.
The more comprehensive term used these days is Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). The PLoS One study says IPV leads to poor health, injuries, malnutrition, pregnancy complications (3.1% of pregnant women reportedly go through domestic violence), and risks of sexually transmitted infections. On the mental health front, it causes emotional stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disorders.
Why do women who are subjected to IPV stay silent? Why don’t they leave toxic relationships? Dr Urmi Nanda Biswas, social psychologist and academician who has a special interest in gender studies, explains the major reasons for the silence. “Dependence proneness is one factor. The more dependent a woman, the more likely she is to tolerate violence from her abusive partner. Another reason why married women put up with domestic violence is the lack of support from families and the community if they try to break up their marriage and seek divorce,” says Dr Urmi.
The third reason is related to sexism, which can be benevolent or hostile. In the case of ‘benevolent’ sexism, women are made out to be paragons of tolerance and resilience. So, women who keep quiet in the face of violence are glorified. This is probably more common in rural areas among less educated women, she says.
“When it comes to educated working professionals, they are victims of ‘hostile’ sexism. If something goes wrong in the marriage of a successful woman, it is the woman who is blamed. She is castigated for being ambitious and career minded and as a result ill-equipped to manage her marriage and home,” explains Dr Urmi.
So, it’s a loss-loss situation for women. Either they are expected to tolerate violence with stoicism for the sake of their children or families, or they are shamed into silence by being made to feel like failures, she says.
A fourth factor which is prevalent in dating violence cases is relationship addiction among youngsters. Dating violence has three components – psychological abuse (swearing, jealousy), physical abuse (slapping, pushing) and sexual abuse (unwanted touching or kissing).
“Women would rather stay in an abusive relationship than be without a partner. That’s because if they don’t have a boyfriend they face low self-esteem issues. Many girls go into deep depression after a break-up,” says Dr Urmi.
Prita Jha is the director of the Peace and Equality Cell (PEC) in Ahmedabad, which works on issues of gender-based violence. “There are many layers to the complex issue of why women do not leave abusive relationships. Fear is major factor. Women who are about to leave an abusive relationship are in the greatest danger of violence and even death, she says. True. Around 38-50% of all homicides of women are committed by their partners during acts of violence.
Financial dependence on the partner is a significant practical factor, especially if there are children to be raised, says Prita. Social stigma attached to divorce is a second deterrent. Thirdly, changing the status quo and building a new life is not easy for all women, she adds.
Approaching the police and taking legal recourse is easier these days. In fact, you don’t have to go to a police station, you can file a case in a civil court under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, she explains. It is not very expensive though it may time to get justice. “I have not seen women stay in long-term relationships where they face violence because they are intimidated by legal processes,” she says.
Image source: YouTube/ a still from Darlings
Women know exactly how vulnerable we are in public, but whenever we speak about it men seem to believe that the solution is to learn the art of self defence. “Teach your daughter karate so she can defend herself when she is sexually harassed”, they say, quite forgetting that that even being among the best wrestlers in the world didn’t save Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat from being sexually abused, or that a number of police officers trained in the use of firearms were among the victims of HD Prajwal Revanna.
While the only long term strategy to reducing sexual harassment is a combination of behaviour change communication directed at men and speedy legal action being taken against the perpetrators, we know that calling out (or distracting) the perpetrator will almost certainly diffuse the immediate act of sexual harassment.
It was to get a dipstick of how men behave when they witness an act of sexual harassment that I create a poll on X (formerly Twitter):
“Question for men: When you see a man sexually harassing a woman what do you do- (a) Call him out immediately, (b) Look away- not my problem, and (c) Join him in harassing her”
Since a few women said that a better indicator would be to ask women how men behave when they see a woman being sexually harassed, I created a companion poll:
“Question for women: When a woman (/you) is being sexually abused, how have you seen men react- (a) ignore/ look away, (b)Call it out/ distract, and (c) join in the harassment”
Seeing the way the results of the first poll were going, I deliberately used the word “sexually abused” in the second poll to drive the urgency (and therefore the probability that men would act more proactively). I also introduced “distract”, because someone had rightly pointed out that creating a diversion might be more effective in diffusing the sexual harassment than outright calling it out.
After removing the people who didn’t participate in the poll, but wanted to see the results, there were 235 men and 152 women who responded to the surveys.
The 235 male respondents, when asked what they would do when they witnessed sexual harassment said they would: Call out immediately: 89% (209 respondents) Look away/ not my problem: 10% (23 respondents) Join in the harassing: 1% (3 respondents)
It was interesting to see that almost 9 out of 10 men said that they would immediately call out the predator. If the number of men who stand up for women being harassed is that high, why are there so many instances of sexual harassment?
The second poll painted a very different picture. The 152 female respondents, when asked how men behave when they witnessed sexual harassment, aid that men would Call out/ distract: 31% (47) Ignore/ look away: 59% (90) Join in harassing: 9% (15)
According to women, only 3 out of 10 men actively attempt to stop sexual harassment; the rest either ignore or actively encourage the sexual harassment.
Assuming all the respondents were being totally honest, it is interesting to compare the perceptions of men and women. While 89% men think they take action to actively prevent sexual harassment, only 31% women agree that they do. 59% men believe that men ignore or look away, but only 10% men admit to doing so.
Clearly, there is a perception mismatch, and (assuming the respondents were honest) the only way to explain the disconnect would be through two reasons (or a combination of the three):
First scenario: men don’t understand what constitutes sexual harassment but respond proactively when they witness it. So what women perceive is men looking away, is in fact a case of the man not even being aware of what is going on.
Second scenario: the male respondents picked what they would do if “their women” (mother, sister, wife, daughter, cousin, friend) were being sexually harassed, not what they would do if a random woman was being abused. Women, on the other hand, evaluated the behaviour of men in general, not just men known to them.
Neither of these scenarios is particularly encouraging for women, and both can only be addressed through sustained behaviour change communication directed at men. Men need to be taught to recognise the entire gamut of sexual harassment, and they should be made to realise that all women deserve to live a life free from sexual harassment.
More than one man said that they would not want to get involved because they fear that the perpetrator and victim might then gang up against him. One quoted the example of a time when he found a couple arguing and said that when he intervened after the man slapped the woman, she turned on him and abused him. Clearly these people are talking about specific cases of intimate partner violence, while the question was about sexual harassment in general. To use this to justify not intervening, is to make yourself complicit in the harassment.
Another man pointed out, quite rightly, that confronting the perpetrator might not always be the right strategy, and that unless the woman is in immediate danger of violence, he prefers diffusing the situation by distracting the perpetrator.
One person took exception to the fact that I had clubbed “call out and distract” because (in his words) “if I distract the man, how will the woman know that I helped her”. It is indeed a sad commentary on the male psyche if the only reason why they call out a man who is sexually harassing a woman is to make her feel gratitude towards him as her saviour!
It is not hard to intervene when a woman is being sexually harassed. Often, all that a person has to do is to strike up a conversation with the perpetrator to distract him- by the time he has finished giving directions to the nearest metro station, for instance, the impulse to pass a lewd comment would pass. While using public transport, moving slightly to put yourself between a voyeur and his target is enough to let the person know that their behaviour has been noted and will not be tolerated. Clearly, there is a long way to go before men can become allies of women in combating sexual harassment.
Image source: a still from the film Pink
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.
Young minds are fragile, and when they are at the receiving end of scathing comments for no fault of theirs or because they don’t fall within the criteria laid out by society, it can create an everlasting impact. As a growing teenager, puberty brought along with it abundant facial hair and hair sprouting from other parts of my body.
Until tenth grade, I could never get my eyebrows threaded or upper lip hair waxed. I still have my farewell photos, with me donning a big smile and a bright pink saree with the beginnings of a light moustache. Aah, those carefree days when I had not yet realized that I wasn’t attractive enough to grab the attention of the opposite sex and when I could let a guffaw or snort escape from my lips without worrying about the world judging me.
But I was also a part of the generation that grew up seeing The Princess Diaries and Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin. When even Anne Hathway and Mona Singh had to rely on epic makeovers to appeal to society and the male gaze. It’s funny how each time when the fuzzy eyebrows become arched curves, the ugly braces come off, the horn-rimmed glasses disappear, and the wild curls are tamed into submission – they always elicit collective sighs and murmurs saying, “Aah, now that’s the ideal beauty”. Not that it matters that the person looks like a dismal shadow of their former self, shedding their uniqueness along the way and joining the bandwagon of look-alikes.
I too, hopped onto the bandwagon before I left school. The pressure of being a hairy girl amidst a sea of waxed and tweezed girls got to me as well. For a long time, my appearance was rather important to me and visits to a salon were an integral part of my routine. But then, bam came the pandemic! For nearly 18 months, salon services were out of reach for the common woman. I let my eyebrows grow wild then and the hair everywhere else because those who were going to judge were locked away in their own houses. But that period also empowered me in some way.
I felt comfortable with my body hair for the first time, and it didn’t seem as unsightly to me as it did when I was in my 20s. While I have an epilator that I occasionally use to groom myself, my hair removal activities no longer align with my proclivities to appease the outer world. They happen when I want to look hairless for myself.
Now, when someone’s gaze lingers on my face longer than necessary, I know it’s mostly not to appreciate my beauty. Chances are that they have spotted that extra hair on my chin or upper lip, and the beauty of all this is that I am perfectly fine with it.
I hope Prachi, too, can come out of this crazy whirlpool of viciousness unscathed. I hope she has someone to tell her that this, too, shall pass. I hope that smile never leaves her face. I hope that she never thinks that appearance has the power to outshine one’s talent, abilities, and personality. Lastly, I hope that the people commenting cruelly on her photos can heal from their traumas and insecurities, which they chose to inflict on a young girl whose only fault was that she did well in her exams.
P.S. – I just found out that there is a term for the prejudice people harbour against others based on their appearance. It’s called lookism. However, that doesn’t change anything I have written above.
Image credits: DNA India
Pregnancy is a delicate phase in a woman’s life. Throughout pregnancy, it is vital for women to exercise a level of diet caution in order to provide a healthy balance of being for themselves and the baby. Specific components of the food carry a chance of impairing the embryo and consequently might cause a miscarriage. The article below talks about 15 Indian pregnancy food items that should be avoided as they can be harmful to the mother and the baby. Moreover, we will discuss the frequent reasons of miscarriages experienced in India. Also, we will emphasize the fact that eating nutrient-rich foods is essential for a mother and the development of the baby.
While it is essential to avoid certain food items during pregnancy, it is equally important to consume food items that are good for pregnant women. Here are some food items that are beneficial during pregnancy:
Below are a few common reasons for Miscarriages in India Miscarriage is a common problem in India, and here are some common reasons for miscarriage in India:
Pregnancy is a very sensitive stage in a woman’s life, and it is crucial to own a healthy diet so that it can be both the mother’s and the baby’s health. It is worth mentioning that consuming specific foodstuffs that are associated with miscarriage and ingesting food items that are good for pregnant women is important. Finally, it must be noted that a healthy lifestyle as well as the avoidance of the risk factors that cause miscarriage is equally important. Pregnant women need to adhere to these rules so that they have a solid impulse to a healthy pregnancy that can lead to a healthy baby.
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It won’t be a cliche to say that our mind broadens and we get a fresh perspective of life with the varied experiences we gather during travel. One may assume this as a leisure activity but in reality, a deep-rooted work goes on in our psyche.
I have had the privilege of traveling to most of the continents and from my personal experience, nothing can beat the well-traveled human eyes. The variety of cuisine, the myriad customs & traditions, the different cultures & dressing sense, the climatic & landscape differences, the exposure to various languages & dialects, etc are something one starts appreciating when one goes beyond their daily territory. The interactions we have are precious for our personal growth.
My childhood dream job was anything to do at an airport, the reason being that I loved watching families travel and observing the excitement they share among themselves being spread to those near them. I would feel happy seeing the travelers just as I used to feel when I would witness my parents planning, organizing, and arranging the different aspects related to our travel usually to our hometown. I would get excited days before our due travel date and I would start my own planning with my younger brother and elder sister. Needless to say, I got attracted to any profession related to travel and finally I did land up with a job in the airline industry.
The virtues we learn with our travel are also no less. We learn to adjust, adapt and accommodate, We understand that the basic necessities of life are more important than any extra comforts & leisure. At times we also get to experience a better lifestyle than our regular day-to-day situation. One can also get ideas on interiors, furniture and the likes in their stay at different hotels, lodges, guest houses, self-catering chalets or Air BnB. The use of different modes of transport be it a train or a flight, a bus or a car, a bike or a scooty or any other kind of transport found in some countries like an autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw in India or a phatphati in NewDelhi can offer the traveler a unique experience. Any travel is worthwhile be it a leisure travel or a work travel. Even an emergency travel has some hidden advantages. One learns to quickly pack and book the tickets.
The perks of traveling are multitude and once we realize those, there is no looking back.
It should come as no surprise that, across the world, male filmmakers outnumber female filmmakers. The field is indubitably hegemonized by male directors, screenwriters, producers and so on. According to the 26th Celluloid Ceiling Report which maintains a statistical record of women employees behind the cameras in Hollywood films, ‘94% of the 250 top grossing films in 2023 had no women cinematographers’, ‘83% had no women directors’, and 74% had no women writers. This apparent disparity puts forth the discrimination women encounter behind the lenses which subsequently obscures their individuality. The opportunity extended to women to demonstrate their skills or to make their dreams come to fruition is dramatically negligible.
As it has always been the case, men have been dominating every field since ages and this truth has been well put by one of the most celebrated authors, Jane Austen in her classic “Persuasion” in which she writes- “Men have had every advantage of us in telling their own story. Education has been theirs in so much a higher degree; the pen has been in their hands.” Every word of Austen rings true, bespeaking of the brutal and grim reality of the society. Amidst such scenario, within the male-dominated film industry, there exist several trailblazing women filmmakers, who have made and are continuing to make astounding movies that not only present their individualistic views but also allow the viewers to understand the gynocentric approach of the movies. Undeterred and undaunted by the onerous challenges that are posed within the male-dominated realm, these female filmmakers push the boundaries of the patriarchal precinct, thereby gaining grounds for themselves in order to present to the world their masterpieces.
Threatening remarks, suppression and irrelevant adverse reactions have followed these women filmmakers whenever they make any realistic movies about women. Terrible public furore arose when Deepa Mehta’s critically acclaimed movie ‘Fire’ was released in 1996. The film navigates through the lives of two women trapped in the shackles of patriarchy and how they set themselves free of their sealed fates to make own choices by discovering their identity that drew the two women closer to each other. Mehta’s last movie of the elements trilogy, ‘Water’ (2005) is simply a veracious depiction of the plight of widows in colonial India. The film exudes the tribulations faced by a group of widows who were married off as a child bride to men thrice their age. Deepa Mehta’s attempt to present before the audience the predicaments of young girls or women who tragically became widows and got caught in the maze of patriarchal practices was met with massive public outcry.
In Saudi Arabia, where cinemas were banned for 35 years (1983-2018), Haifa Al-Mansour became the first female filmmaker in the country. Her movie Wadjda (2012) has a candid and thought-provoking storyline. The movie itself is very simple, it is about a ‘rebellious’ ten-year-old girl named Wadjda who wishes to buy a bicycle to compete against her friend Abdullah. But she is denied of it by her mother who sharply tells her that if she rides a bike, she “won’t be able to have children”. Despite her persona as a wayward among her teachers, Wadjda decides to take part in a Quran reciting competition that has cash rewards with the hope of purchasing her favourite bicycle using the money. Al-Mansour’s Wadjda is a tranquil tale of a ‘defiant’ little girl with strong determination of fulfilling her ‘forbidden’ dreams of buying a bicycle by refusing to abide by the rules set-up within a patriarchal society.
The Iranian-American filmmaker, Ana Lily Amirpour’s debut movie ‘A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night’ is an enthralling top-notch black and white feminist movie. The movie cast a spell of awe among the viewers with the portrayal of its protagonist who is a ‘terrifying’ formidable ‘chador-clad’ vampire, skateboarding and preying on the ‘Bad Men’ who resides on the fictionalized Iranian town called ‘Bad City’. She bears no name and is just called as ‘The Girl’ throughout the movie. She is a typical fanged-mouth, bloodthirsty vampire who feasts on miscreant men who mistreats women or commit other vile deeds. By portraying a chador-clad vengeful and malefic vampire girl who ‘walks home alone at night’ in a city filled with terrible men, Amirpour altered the vulnerable status of women in a society of pompous patriarchs.
Well, there are several other movies made by women about women that most certainly deserves high praise and attention. The list is definitely exhaustive despite the smaller number of women filmmakers compared to men. These women filmmakers are compelled to make low-budget movies because of lack of funding or rather a lack of interest by investors and financiers in investing on these filmmakers. These movies being portrayed from a gynocentric perspective might not appeal to the patriarchs who therefore resort to violence, hooliganism and protests demanding a ban on both the films and the filmmakers. Despite facing all sorts of obstruction and resistance by the fundamentalists and chauvinists, these filmmakers with their forthright views and uninhibited attitude continue to challenge the patriarchal norms by making riveting movies.
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