“I fought furiously…I did complete my Masters”: Sonnal Pardiwala, Author Of The Month, April 2018

Sonnal Pardiwala often writes about how the diktats of society find resonance inside homes and make women’s lives harder. That’s probably why readers relate to her. 

Every month, the Women’s Web team identifies three contributors whose work has really resonated with readers, who have brought something new and impactful to our community. This April 2018, Sonnal Pardiwala is one of our featured Authors of the Month.

Sonnal’s writing often feels like that of ‘everywoman’ – whether she is writing about the lack of rest for women inside their own homes, or examining ads closely for their sexist content. You can find Sonnal Pardiwala writing here at Women’s Web, and also on her own blog, The Power Within.

I write to express a deeply felt emotion and opinion. It sets me free and my being transcends into a space of complete empowerment when words flow.

What do you enjoy reading? Does any of it help your writing?

I enjoy reading everything emotional and spiritual and motivational. I love reading short stories and opinion pieces on various issues.

Writing has been automatic ever since I know myself. A thought triggers, a spontaneous emotion occurs and a need to type arises. Voila!

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When it comes to writing on/for/about women, what questions and issues drive you the most?

The helpless state that a woman is portrayed in. The victim mode when celebrated. It annoys and invites my ire. Gender inequalities, restrictions on women, judgements on their choices of career, attire, homekeeping gets me to a blog faster than anything.

Could you narrate an issue or incident in your life which you think was gender related, and you handled it in a way that has made you proud.

Yes, when I completed my graduation, I wanted to pursue my Masters in Psychology. My mom refused. Her fear was, as a girl, if I will be ‘so educated’ who will marry me? They will have trouble finding a spouse for me that educated. (Yes, in the family system I came from, boys followed the inherited businesses and lands. They do not bother with insignificant things like education).

I fought furiously, braved derision, opposition. I did complete my Masters and am proud that I not only had a valuable educational experience but also amassed much knowledge, read some great works. As a mother, I pass on the legacy to my kids (P. S : I found a spouse who valued me M. A et al ;))

When my child was ten days old, a financial wipeout due to critical illness and subsequent recovery of my spouse presented itself. Patriarchy demanded that my husband earn and I stay back to nurse the child. He was ten days old after all. I took the bravest decision to contribute along with my spouse. I joined his tuition class and taught children while nursing, changing and raising two brilliant kids. Toughest phase, but I am proud I did not burden my spouse with the responsibility of earning alone. We are in it together for loving, caring, deciding and enjoying life.

What are the things you would like to write about in the future for Women’s Web?

I would like more stories on how courageously many women have given a new course to life. Gender inequality and tougher decisions that women take on a daily basis to survive. Misogyny needs to be handled severely. I want to celebrate womanhood even if it has not made it to the Celebrity charts.

Each courageous woman deserves a bow. I would like more of such stories.

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