Women Archives

Why Women Need to Stop Being Polite to Predators and Creeps

Growing up, we women have been repeatedly led to believe that our own sense of being lies at the lowest rung of the ladder; that we must respect and bow before everybody but ourselves. So what if a stranger elbowed my breast? I am not going to disrupt an entire auto line over it, right?

Meghalee Mitra July 28, 2016

Gender

Is Going Blonde The Secret to My Success?

The perfect hair colour is like a unicorn, just as mythical. Usually you fall between “Are you fucking mad?” or “I can’t see a thing”. But the secret to a woman's success is going blonde. At least that's what Google tells me.

Richa Sahu July 27, 2016

Gender

A Good Reason to “Mind the Gap”

Addressing the issue of the wage gap between men and women isn’t as simple as redistributing candy. Sometimes, change can begin with a conversation, and this week an Arré Siren panel featuring actress Aahana Kumra and photographer Karen Dias, kickstarted the discussion.

Arré Bench July 25, 2016

Gender

How Do We Sustain the #MeToo Movement?

Even as we debate how to keep the #MeToo momentum going, the best way forward probably rests on our ability to be relentless with our rage, our demands, and our solidarity. Our refusal to let go of our long overdue rage could possibly lead to a culture where angry women aren’t dismissed as hysterical.

Ayushi Murli July 24, 2016

Gender

Ladies, Stop Telling Yourself You Like Lace Lingerie

Why do we women squeeze ourselves into undergarments that behave like torture devices accessorised with elastic, bows, and ribbons that are meant to irritate the skin at inopportune moments? I’ve realised you aren’t truly emancipated until the day you find yourself committed to the cause of comfortable drawers.

Sonali Kokra July 22, 2016

Gender

What’s Wrong with Being a “High Maintenance” Woman?

My annual budget for haircuts runs comfortably into five digits. I own an ungodly amount of silver jewellery, bags, and indigo dresses. I suppose I am what society calls “high maintenance”. But I promise you, no man was hurt in the making of this film.

Sonali Kokra July 15, 2016

Gender

Too Small, Too Bouncy, Or Sagging: Can Women Ever Stop Worrying About Their Breasts?

When my breasts first arrived, I didn’t quite know how to handle the sudden puberty-induced baggage. As they grew ambitiously in high school into the 36D terrain, I developed a hunch to make them less conspicuous. I thought I’d stop worrying about them in my 30s, but now we are fighting gravity together.

Sangeetha Bhaskaran July 15, 2016

Culture

Putting the Sab in Sabarimala: The Kerala Temple’s Lesson in Inclusion

The verdict in the Sabarimala hearing is a reminder that Indian religious institutions need to finally end their deep-seated prejudice toward women devotees. Which is why, the Sabarimala judgment isn’t a win – it’s only the start.

Arré Bench July 12, 2016

Gender

Dear Nice Guys, Stop Congratulating Yourself for Not Being Harassers

If you think you are a “nice guy” who doesn’t harass women, please stop behaving like you have a halo around your head. And if you are eager for the great guy tag, you will have to do much more than look the other way when you see any woman getting molested and humiliated.

Purba Ray July 9, 2016

Gender

Even In Celebration, Women Are Expected To Do It All

The festive season is a lot of fun, except for the women of the house who must labour through chores that they have been led to believe is not just their duty, but also some sort of festive privilege.

Purba Ray July 9, 2016