Aakanksha Gupta
Famous women across the globe have long made their mark and brought pride to India, be it Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams, Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, Malala Yousafzai, or Priyanka Chopra. Their journeys have ignited passion in young girls and offered hope to women who were once denied the right to work or dream. These trailblazers continue to inspire not just the women of India, but across the globe, proving that gender should never be a barrier to achievement.
Women like Lieutenant Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stand as powerful role models, not just for girls, but for boys too. Their service reminds us that in the world of 2025, women are equally capable and are excelling in every field, from defense to sports to science and beyond.
Despite these advancements, gender discrimination still lurks in many corners of society. Patriarchal traditions, polygamy, and child marriage still persist. In many homes, daughters are raised with restrictions while sons are granted freedom. Women continue to be told they must obey their husbands, give up their dreams, and prioritize household duties. These outdated, misogynistic mindsets not only crush ambition but also rob society of the contributions women could make if given equal opportunity.
Many women wake up each day and silently work for the comfort of others—often without recognition, without thanks, and most importantly, without respect. They don’t ask for dominance, only dignity. Yet, even in modern families, sons are favored for inheritance and freedom, while daughters face insecurity and limitations. This imbalance often leads to sibling rivalry and emotional distance, fueled by inequality at home.
Historically, customs like child marriage, sati, and rigid gender roles have targeted women. Even today, women are judged more harshly, blamed for abuse, and manipulated or blackmailed into submission. Some women, unfortunately, perpetuate this cycle by enforcing harmful traditions on the next generation, passing on trauma rather than challenging the status quo.
It is vital to remember: feminism is not about women versus men. It is about equality. Feminism advocates for equal rights, opportunities, and respect, regardless of gender. And while women are rising, there are also men—fathers, brothers, husbands—who stand beside them, supporting and believing in equality. These allies understand that feminism is not a threat but a movement for justice and balance.
The true independence of a nation will be realized not just when we raise flags every August 15, but when every woman is treated with the same dignity, freedom, and opportunity as every man. That will mark the real freedom—one that transforms society, governance, and generations to come.
(Author is a student. Views are personal.)
