The Changing Faces of Indian Women, but Are the Men Changing?

(Breaking the old traditions, but the norms remain unchanged)

- Ankur R. Gupta

On a Monday morning, Nandini rushes to her office in a crisp navy suit.

She manages a team at an international bank and travels often to negotiate with clients. By every measure, she is the face of modern India, breaking the old image of an Indian woman confined to the four walls of her house. She is a confident professional, unapologetic about her ambition. Yet, in the evening, the script changes, where she is always questioned. "Beta, how will you manage your child and house when you travel so much?"

Meanwhile, her husband, who also works long hours, is never asked the same. His responsibilities end at the front door, whereas hers begin after it. Despite the domestic help, the unspoken rule of patriarchal beliefs persists, placing the ultimate burden of family and household responsibilities squarely on her shoulders. While her husband offers support, it's seen as a helpful gesture, rather than a true partnership in shared responsibility.