Gender Archives - Page 5 of 24

Does Marriage Spell an End for the Friendships of Our Youth?

When I got married, I had lots more on my plate. I inherited a bunch of my husband’s friends and relatives, and between them and work commitments, I had much less time for my older friends.

Yashodhara Sirur July 7, 2016

Gender

My Grandmother Didn’t Lead a “Woke” Life. But She Died a Feminist

My grandmother married at 14 and gave birth to her first son at 20. She didn’t live long enough to acquaint herself with the world of “feminism” but she ensured that she raised her granddaughter as a feminist.

Tamira Obrahm July 6, 2016

Gender

Socially Distancing from My Razor: How Giving Up Hair Removal Can Be Liberating

For me, being hair-free was like an outfit accessory – I would only look good or “sophisticated” if my skin was smooth and glossy. When salons shut during the first lockdown, I stopped bothering about hair removal. It felt liberating to just be who I am.

Sahej Marwah July 6, 2016

Gender

Little Women: Slumber Parties Are Where Girls Get Their First Lesson in Sisterhood

The sleepovers that my childhood best friend organised were American pop-culture paradise – we watched rom-coms and discussed boys over a feast of pizza, coke, and ice-cream. But that’s not what they were all about. Our talks steered toward periods and acne and the “burden of our boobs”. What we did not know at the time was that we were creating our first, original feminist safe space.

Sahej Marwah July 5, 2016

Gender

What We Owe 14-year-old Shakti

Last July, one teenage girl changed the course of law. The story of young Shakti, who is the reason why women who need late abortions have a case.

Sharan Saikumar July 3, 2016

Gender

How Powerful Men Intimidate Women When their Hallowed Reputation is Under Threat

Former minister MJ Akbar filed a defamation suit against the women who accused him of sexual harassment. But defamation is a growling denial of culpability, an act of aggressive sidestepping. Because men will go to any length to protect the myths they have lived by.

Manik Sharma July 2, 2016

Gender

India’s Epidemic of Sex Crimes: Do Desi Fathers Ever Talk to their Sons About How to Treat Women?

The Indian father-and-son duo may share a drink together, but they almost certainly never arrive at a conversation about how to treat women. I, myself, cannot remember if my father, after he had had a quarrel with mom, ever came to tell me that I was not supposed to behave the same.

Manik Sharma July 2, 2016

Gender

Not a Dress, Not a Maxi: How the Indian Woman Finds Liberation in a Nightie

Women fall in love with the nightie so madly, they never want to part ways. And why not? Its tent-like shape doesn’t discriminate – you might have Kareena-like abs or you might be well-rounded, the nightie gives everyone the sex appeal of a potato.

Purba Ray July 1, 2016

Gender

Why Women Don’t Visit the Ladies’ Loo Alone

We live in a world where women are judged for everything from having periods to having emotions. The women’s bathroom is one of the few gender-exclusive places where it can all hang out – a brief but cathartic loosening of corset strings.

Kahini Iyer July 1, 2016

Gender

Despite Bollywood Influences, I am Raising Two Feminist Sons. Here’s How To Do It

My sons and I love watching Bollywood movies together, but finding a film devoid of misogyny, objectification of women, and innuendo is a task. How do I explain to my kids what is wrong with “6 din, Ladki in” when SRK is mouthing it as if it’s the most chivalrous way to woo a girl in Kal Ho Naa Ho?

Aarti Pathak July 1, 2016