Women in India
The ongoing struggle for equality; a feminist perspective on women in India.
Content warning: This article contains mentions of rape and sexual assault.
Design by Hritvi Ahuja
Hritvi Ahuja, Managing Editor
The history of women in India is a story of resilience, courage, and an ongoing struggle for equality. While the country is known for its rich cultural heritage, the status of women often tells a different tale—one where society confines millions to traditional roles, stifling their aspirations. There are about 160 million women in India who work as homemakers, people who do housework and look after their home, and the burden of household chores falls disproportionately on them. According to data from the National Sample Survey Organization, women spend an average of 297 minutes daily on household tasks, while men contribute just 31 minutes. These numbers paint a clear picture of the gender inequality that persists in Indian society.
For centuries, Indian society has imposed restrictive roles on women, viewing them primarily as caretakers of the home. This expectation, deeply rooted in patriarchy, limits the potential of millions of women who have the talent and drive to contribute far beyond the confines of their households. The overwhelming majority of these women, whether by choice or societal pressure, find their lives defined by domestic responsibilities, leaving little room for personal or professional growth.
This isn’t to say that being a homemaker lacks value. Far from it—running a household is a significant responsibility. However, the problem arises when this role is imposed rather than chosen, and it’s accompanied by a systemic devaluation of women’s contributions, both within and outside the home. Feminism seeks to challenge these norms, advocating for a society where women’s choices are respected and their contributions, whether in the home or the workplace, are valued equally.
The suppression of women in India extends far beyond the domestic sphere, manifesting in horrific acts of violence that underscore the urgent need for change. According to recent statistics for OneIndia, a woman is raped every 16 minutes in India, with victims ranging from as young as two to as old as 80. These aren’t just numbers—they represent shattered lives and unfulfilled dreams.
One of the most heartbreaking recent cases occurred in Kolkata, where a young doctor’s life was brutally cut short as she got gang raped by a group of over 20 men. It was her childhood dream to become a doctor, and she was well on her way to achieving it. Her mother, in a heartbreaking letter, wrote about how her daughter never sought wealth but instead wanted the opportunity to treat ailing patients. Even on the day she was raped and murdered, she left home with the intention of helping others. However, her dream of becoming an MD gold medalist (student who scores the highest in their medical degree) will remain forever unfulfilled. This is sadly one of hundreds of tragic rape cases, yet this case triggered Indian society to another level.
What keeps replaying in my mind is the heartbreaking reality that a woman who dedicated her life to saving others isn’t even safe in her own workplace. It’s mind-boggling that when we, as Indian women, bring this issue to the attention of higher officials, they try to convince us that it’s “normal.” How can we ever break these barriers and achieve true independence if we are constantly living in fear, even in the places where we should feel safest?
Currently, in South India, hundreds of protests are erupting as people express their outrage online, with figures like Dr. Rakshita Singh using their platforms to bring global attention to the issue. Doctors have boycotted their jobs for 4 weeks, protesting on the streets of India, hoping their voices will be heard. Both men and women are voicing their disgust, united in their demand for justice—justice that remains frustratingly out of reach.
As an Indian-American woman, I often grapple with the stark differences in gender dynamics between the two cultures I belong to. Growing up in the United States, I’ve had the privilege of pursuing my dreams without the same societal constraints many women in India face. Yet, my heart aches for girls of my age who live in constant fear, scared to walk in their neighborhoods or even go to school.
I've heard stories from friends in India that highlight the stark differences in how men and women are treated. For instance, while brothers can come home late without a second thought, sisters are expected to be indoors the moment it gets dark. When a girl walks alone on the street, she can’t listen to music, make eye contact with men, or even keep her hands in her pockets; she has to stay alert constantly. Similarly, if a girl is alone in a cab with a male driver, she has to stay on the phone with her family, hyper-aware of her surroundings, while a guy can sleep peacefully in the back without a single worry.
The continued subjugation of women in India has far-reaching implications, not just for the women themselves but for society as a whole. When half the population is denied equal opportunities, the nation is deprived of the full range of talent and potential that could drive it forward. The normalization of sexual violence, in particular, creates a feeling of fear that prevents women from enjoying public life to the fullest, stifling their potential and reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
At its core, feminism is about dismantling these barriers and creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of gender. It’s about ensuring that women are not just seen as caretakers but as individuals with dreams, ambitions, and rights.
The struggle for women’s rights in India is ongoing, and the road to true equality is long. Yet, the fight is not just about women in India—it’s about women everywhere. It’s about recognizing that the battle for gender equality is not confined to any one country or culture, but is a global issue that requires collective action.
As we continue to push for change, let us remember the women whose dreams have been cut short, like the young doctor in Kolkata, and let us honor them by refusing to remain silent. Feminism isn’t just about pointing out what’s wrong—it’s about building a better future where women can live without fear, pursue their dreams, and be valued equally in all aspects of life.
