Seventy-eight years after independence, women in India have broken barriers but still face invisible constraints. Drawing from Pride and Prejudice and Ghore Baire, true freedom lies in self-respect, clarity, and choice—free from societal expectations or self-imposed limits—where women need not choose between being complete and being free.
From a bold Femina cover to timeless symbolism of the warrior goddess, this reflection explores how evolving portrayals of women mirror the ongoing fight for true freedom, equity, and self-definition.
When a workplace harassment complaint from a transgender employee, Adwaita, reaches HR, Sheena prepares for damage control. But Adwaita challenges her to look beyond punishment—to question systemic ignorance. Through their conversation, Sheena realizes that true inclusiveness isn’t just policy—it starts with awareness, empathy, and action from within.
Jamaishoshti in Bengal glorifies sons-in-law while daughters-in-law remain largely unacknowledged. Rooted in myth and patriarchy, the festival reflects deep-seated gender imbalances. Even today, women prioritize their husbands’ happiness over their own. This piece questions the ritual’s fairness and urges introspection, advocating for equality and celebration of women within the family structure.
This heartfelt poem captures the innocent hopes of a young girl, Bhooli, set against the backdrop of water scarcity in rural India. Through her conversation with her mother, the piece gently unfolds the emotional weight of growing up amidst crisis. With themes of childhood, motherhood, and the impact of the water crisis, the poem offers a powerful reflection on the unseen struggles faced by many.
This piece calls for breaking societal taboos and patriarchal restrictions that hinder women’s progress. It highlights issues like domestic violence, menstrual stigma, and gender-based crimes while advocating for education, financial independence, and self-awareness. True empowerment begins with a shift in mindset, fostering a world where women thrive, not just survive.
This article focuses on how men are often closeted when expressing their emotions. In society, the image of a man is always seen as the protector, and the provider, the burden on them is immense. If he isn’t masculine enough, he is not a man. What is masculinity all about? And who are we to decide what makes a man, a man?
The article explores the complexities of “home” for women, highlighting the burdens, sacrifices, and often silent suffering they endure within its walls. From societal expectations to domestic abuse, it examines how homes can stifle or harm women. Advocating independence, it celebrates women redefining home as a space for freedom and self-expression.
An artisan, haunted by his abusive past, meticulously crafts a Durga idol for an upcoming festival. As he finishes, mysterious cracks appear, and the idol collapses, killing him. His wife, Rama, wonders if the Goddess has delivered divine justice for the child he once cruelly sacrificed.
In a heartfelt reflection, a woman shares her journey as a primary breadwinner, supporting her husband’s dreams and navigating financial hardships. Embracing independence and defying stereotypes, she calls for true partnership and gender equality, empowering women to lead, inspire, and redefine societal expectations of ‘The She.’
