The future belongs to those who dare to demolish barriers and Indian women are quick learners
International Women’s Day is not an annual event, to be reduced to yet another date routinely done and dusted in the yearly calendar. It is a potent reminder of the struggles women have endured through history and the milestones yet to be achieved. Indian women, in particular, have battled intense socio-economic and cultural challenges. What sets them apart on the global stage, however, is their unique gift of grit and determination to shatter stereotypes and leave their indelible ink on countless pages of narratives historically dominated and scripted by men, and admittedly some women, for an inherently patriarchal society. Today, as we celebrate these achievements, we must remember that true emancipation for the Indian woman is still a work in progress, indeed an ongoing journey. En route to the final destination lies a path strewn with constrictive societal norms and gender biases that must be negotiated with. The Indian woman shall, and will.
Historically shackled to the home and hearth with limited access to education and career opportunities, the Indian woman has not had it easy. Today, despite the gradual bridging of time-worn gender faultlines, the modern Indian woman still confronts lack of representation in leadership roles. Safety concerns, particularly gender-based violence and harassment, remain pressing issues that noy only require a systemic change but a decisive alteration of decadent mindsets. Cultural expectations already place burdens on women, often requiring them to balance professional aspirations with traditional family roles. This dual responsibility frequently leads to career compromises, with many women stepping back from the workforce due to a lack of institutional support, such as maternity benefits and flexible work environments.
Despite these hurdles, Indian women have carved their place in male-dominated fields, proving their resilience and excellence. The armed forces, once an exclusively male domain, now see women serving as fighter pilots, commanding officers, and front-line warriors. Leaders like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw in biotechnology, Falguni Nayar in entrepreneurship, and Rani Rampal in sports have redefined success, inspiring millions. Women journalists, scientists, and engineers have risen to prominence, from Gagandeep Kang in virology to Tessy Thomas, India’s ‘Missile Woman.’ The Indian judiciary, once overwhelmingly male, now sees female judges championing justice, with figures like Justice BV Nagarathna poised to become the country’s first female Chief Justice.
While these achievements are commendable, true gender equality is still a work in progress. Women’s representation in politics and corporate boardrooms remains significantly low. Laws exist to protect their rights, but enforcement is often weak. Education and financial independence are key to furthering women’s empowerment, yet many still lack access to these fundamental rights.To bridge this gap, policy reforms must ensure equal pay, safer workplaces, and career growth opportunities. Societal mindsets need to shift, with men playing an active role in supporting gender equality. Schools must instill values of inclusivity from an early age, ensuring the next generation grows up with a more equitable perspective. The idea of gender equality has to be imbibed from the very early age.
The discrimination girl child faces even from her own parents is depolorable. While her brother gets the best of food and education, the girl child is often pressed into doing household chores and denied education and even gets to eat at the end. The discrimination is at many levels and that is not acceptable in the 21st century. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, the journey toward true empowerment is far from over. It is not just about celebrating achievements but about continuing the fight against gender inequality. India stands at a crossroads where women’s participation in every sphere can redefine the nation’s future. With collective effort—from policymakers, businesses, and society—women’s emancipation can move beyond mere discourse to become an everyday reality.The road may be long, but Indian women have shown time and again that they are unstoppable. She is not just a part of the change—she is the change.
