One film came and controversy arose. The furore over India’s Daughter, a documentary based on the December 2012 Delhi gang rape has been a subject of discussion over the past few weeks. Not just the content of the film, but issues like a ban on its broadcast have resulted in the documentary being discussed by people in India and across …
Category: Women and Family
The Many ‘Missing Voices’ in "India’s Daughter"
One film came and controversy arose. The furore over India’s Daughter, a documentary based on the December 2012 Delhi gang rape has been a subject of discussion over the past few weeks. Not just the content of the film, but issues like a ban on its broadcast have resulted in the documentary being discussed by people in India and across …
Where the Mind is Without Fear
In 2012, I was visiting my family in Kolkata when I heard about the brutal gang rape of a young woman in Delhi. The fear and disgust is still fresh on my mind. It has been two years since that day but news related to sexual violence against women are unabated. Take for example, the recent case of a 25-year-old girl …
Women in Pakistan – Breaking Barriers and Creating Their Own Destinies
Women in Pakistan are now coming out of their houses to study and work. Their perceptions toward education and literacy have changed remarkably over the last decade. You all have probably heard about Mala Yousufzai bringing home the Nobel Peace prize for Pakistan. This coveted award has not only added fuel to the present drive coming about amongst teenagers and …
Undermining Women and their Sensibilities – Adultery in Hindi Cinema
In an industry progressively endorsing its belief in the equality of the two sexes, it is interesting to see Hindi cinema’s age old and often naïve and stereotypical take on adultery. Primarily, it often seems that we refuse to accept that it is not just the men who may find the grass greener on the other side. Women may also …
Dark Skin Is Dirty
Ever since I was a little girl, I remember the cosmetic industry in India would prey on the insecurities of women—manifested by the society obsession with pale skin—and promote the use of skin-whitening cream. Ayurvedic Vicco Turmeric cream, made with turmeric and sandalwood, was considered the smell of marital bliss for “good” women. Fair & Lovely, another skin lightening cream, promised visibly …
Motherhood – A Norm Enforced by Patriarchy?
It is somehow inconceivable that there could be other things that matter more to her. We don’t focus on the fact that she could have simply chosen to lead her life another way. She just didn’t feel the need to go down that road. It doesn’t mean she is less caring, considerate or even ‘feminine’ as an individual. I recently …