Metaphorical Slaps

We can't ignore that we all at some point or other felt the string of metaphorical slaps from this society itself — being dismissed in meetings, having our ideas appropriated by male colleagues, being labeled 'too aggressive' for merely speaking up. The hierarchy is clear: men lead, and women follow. If we resist, we are not just questioned — we are cast aside

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As the world gears up to celebrate International Women's Day on 8 March, a pertinent question looms — how far have we truly come in achieving gender equality? In India, women have risen to positions of power, yet they continue to battle the deeply entrenched patriarchal mindset that seeks to diminish their contributions and limit their aspirations.

From the field of politics to academia, from corporate boardrooms to fighter jets, women have proven their mettle time and again. Yet, the paradox remains — why is their success still an anomaly rather than the norm? Working in the education sector as an assistant professor, I have witnessed firsthand the invisible barriers that exist for women professionals. Academia is often perceived as a progressive space, but even here, gender biases persist.

The dominance of male authority figures, the subtle dismissal of women's opinions in decision-making bodies, and the struggle to break into higher administrative roles are just some of the challenges faced by women educators. While we educate young minds about gender equality, we often grapple with inequality in our own professional spaces.

Many women across sectors encounter similar struggles. They are paid less for the same work, overlooked for promotions, and often expected to choose between career and family. While workplaces have introduced measures like maternity leave and anti-harassment policies, the fundamental mindset that sees women as secondary workers persists.

Cinema, often dismissed as entertainment, has played a crucial role in mirroring and challenging these injustices. Films like Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Mrs., and Thappad don't just depict fictional struggles — they resonate with the daily realities faced by women like me and countless others.

They highlight how we are forced to fight not just external battles but also systemic and psychological wars within our own institutions.