If Not From Her Mother, Where Will A Married Daughter Find Support?

Posted: December 7, 2023

What is the role of a woman after she gets married in this country? A cleaner? A cook? A caregiver? Why is she expected to toil but not seek comfort from her own family?

The young woman, taught to dream and fulfil her aspirations, embarks on marriage. In an unfamiliar home with strangers, she’s expected to adjust and adopt the new household norms promptly, with little consideration for her desires.

Taunts assail her, questioning her upbringing,

“Did your mother not teach you anything? Have you learned no manners? Why don’t you know how to cook? Why are you squandering away my son’s money? Why do you sleep so late?”

The married woman is made to feel like a burden, worthless and insignificant, a scenario that persists today.

Why should a married daughter not seek solace from her mother?

Seeking solace, she confides in her mother, only to be cautioned by her in-laws against disclosing marital issues to outsiders. Attempts to confide in her husband are met with suspicion, leaving her emotionally bottled up.

Rumours circulate about her mother being against her son-in-law.

In a specific instance, the mother visits the in-laws and witnesses her daughter caring for two bedridden patients without household help. The young married woman struggles with daily tasks, including extensive puja rituals.

When the married woman’s mother offers help, society questions her audacity, asserting that the married woman has to care for the family.

Why is the married woman’s mother branded as evil by in-laws?

But what about the married woman? In the process of creating a new life with her wishes, she yearns for a confidant.

Why shouldn’t her mother support or listen to her?

Why brand her mother as evil or accuse her of turning against the new family?

Why harbour grudges against the son-in-law?

Why claim the married woman is dominated by her mother?

The married woman is in a learning phase, looking up to her trusted and admired mother. Why should her mother be shamed in her in-laws’ house, given the foundation of trust and learning she provided throughout the daughter’s upbringing?


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Short Guide On How To Prepare For A Freelance Career

Starting afresh or re-entering the workforce after a career break can be challenging, especially for women. Freelancing often emerges as a viable option, offering flexibility and diverse work opportunities.

Here is a short guide on things to remember and be prepared for before you embark on a freelance career.

Let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of freelancing, the steps to get started, and essential considerations for success.

Cons of freelancing

Inconsistent work

Projects might end abruptly, leading to gaps in assignments and delayed payments.

Read more: How To Make Money As A Freelancer (By Not Chasing It)

Competition

Breaking through in a competitive market can be demanding initially.

Read more: Freelance Or Full-time? Here’s My Personal Experience To Help You Decide

Lack of job benefits

Traditional job benefits like insurance, paid leaves, or a steady income stream may not be available.

Read more: 7 Very Practical Steps For Successfully Negotiating Salary – For A New Job Or A Hike!

Adjustment challenges

A freelancer’s irregular routine might require time to adapt for those accustomed to structured work hours.

Read more: Considering A Freelance Writing Career?

Financial instability

Without a fixed salary, managing finances might be challenging, especially during lean periods.

Read more: A Guide To Mutual Fund Investments – For Women Who Want To Start Investing

Absence of guidance

Freelancers regularly work independently without mentors or managers to provide direction.

Read more: Sponsorship vs Mentorship – What Is Better For A Woman For The Advancement Of Her Career?

Pros of freelancing

Flexibility

Freelancers have the liberty to set their deadlines and work hours, offering more control over their schedules.

Read more: Flexibility At Work: Why Companies Hesitate

Diverse work opportunities

Exploring various roles simultaneously, from voice-over artist to Mehendi designer, allows for diverse skill utilization.

Read more: How Did Parvati Kurakula’s Love For Mehndi Turn Into A Business?

Creative freedom

Freelancing provides ample room for creativity, fostering a sense of satisfaction in one’s work.

Read more: 10 Compelling Reasons To Continue Blogging Even If Nobody Is Reading

Learning and networking

Collaborating with different people in various environments brings invaluable learning experiences.

Read more: 8 Reasons Why Women Should Collaborate With Other Women

Independence

Unlike traditional employment under a boss, freelancers are answerable directly to clients, providing a sense of autonomy.

Read more: The Young Professional Woman’s Guide To Investing, For True Financial Independence

Unlimited Earning Potential

The absence of a fixed salary allows for greater earnings based on the quantity and quality of work.

Read more: How To Become A Freelancer In India And Ensure Max Freelance Earnings

How to begin a career as a freelancer?

Skill identification

List your skills and passions—whether it’s photography, content writing, SEO, or even niche interests like trekking or nail art.

Read more: How To Upskill & Restart At Work

Self-assessment

Gauge your proficiency in each skill and research its market value and demand.

Read more: How To Improve Mental Health, Especially For Freelancers

Planning time and tasks

Allocate time for freelance activities, considering regular versus occasional projects and balancing diverse work roles.

Read more: Time Management For Freelancers – 10 Tips From My Personal WFH Experience

Building a professional portfolio

Develop a portfolio showcasing your expertise and seek feedback from industry professionals for improvement.

Read more: The Rising Significance Of The Online Portfolio In 2023

Self-critique and networking

Continuously evaluate and improve your skills. Utilize professional networks, and online platforms like LinkedIn, and spend time networking daily to expand your client base.

Read more: 8 Networking Tips For Successful Women Despite Gender Specific Challenges At Work

Essential considerations and tips

Client building

Building a clientele involves not just skill, but also the ability to sell oneself. Focus on communication and social skills to attract and retain clients.

Read more: 6 Simple Steps For Building Your Personal Brand In India

Research before diving in

Preparing thoroughly before researching freelancing opportunities is crucial. This approach helps avoid self-doubt and negative vibes due to excessive competition.

Read more: How To Make A Freelance Writer Pitch For A Career From Home

Persistence and networking

Dedication to building a network and securing a few initial projects before considering leaving a current job ensures a more stable transition.

Read more: 3 Reasons Strategic Networking For Women Becomes A Challenge

Conclusion

Freelancing isn’t just a job change; it’s a career shift that requires planning, perseverance, and continuous skill enhancement. It offers freedom, but demands dedication and strategic networking for long-term success.

By understanding the nuances of freelancing, women returning to work after a hiatus can leverage these opportunities to craft a fulfilling and flexible career path.


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The Story Of Empowering Women in Indian Politics

Posted: December 6, 2023

Women’s Reservation Bill: A Tale of Triumph

Once upon a recent time in India, a transformative bill was born – the Women’s Reservation Bill. It wasn’t just any legislative document; it was the harbinger of a new era in Indian politics, a beacon of hope for millions of women.

The Dawn of Change

Our story begins in the bustling corridors of the Indian Parliament in September 2023. Here, a historic moment unfolds as the Women’s Reservation Bill is introduced. The air is thick with anticipation and the weight of decades of women’s struggles and dreams. In just three days, a whirlwind of activity sees the bill passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, culminating with President Droupadi Murmu’s assent on September 28. This momentous occasion marks the official transformation of the bill into law, heralding a new chapter in the story of Indian women.

The Roots of Resilience

The roots of our tale stretch back decades, intertwined with the lives of countless women who fought tirelessly for their rightful place in the political arena. Their voices, often drowned out in the patriarchal din, never faltered. Their dreams, though deferred, never dimmed. This Bill is their legacy, a testament to their unwavering spirit and determination.

A Voice for the Voiceless

As the story unfolds, we see the Bill not just as a mere allocation of seats but as a megaphone for the silent voices of millions of Indian women. It’s a promise that their concerns, aspirations, and dreams will no longer be sidelined but will instead shape the very policies that govern their lives.

The Path to Implementation

Our narrative takes a pragmatic turn as we delve into the strategy for implementing this visionary bill. The scene is set for the 2029 general elections, where the fruits of this bill will first be harvested. This strategic approach ensures a fair and inclusive representation of women from diverse backgrounds, echoing our understanding that true equality is about making opportunities accessible to all.

Reflecting on the Present

In our story, we pause to reflect on the current landscape of Indian politics, where women’s voices are still fighting to be heard. This Bill promises to be the catalyst for change, turning the tide in favor of a more gender-balanced political representation.

Inspiration from Distant Shores

Our tale then takes us on a global journey, drawing inspiration from nations where women have already blazed trails in politics. From the Philippines to South Korea, these stories of successful gender reservation policies infuse our narrative with hope and possibility.

Navigating the Challenges

Every story has its trials, and ours is no different. Concerns and critiques about the Bill’s execution and implications remind us that the path to equality is fraught with challenges. But like all good stories, these challenges only add depth, inviting us to engage more deeply with the quest for gender parity.

Echoes of the Past

In the closing chapters, we look back at the wisdom of our foremothers, like Hansa Mehta, whose vision of gender equality in a vibrant democracy guides our path. Their words are a reminder of the long journey women have undertaken and the battles fought to reach this point.

The Role We Play

As our story nears its end, we turn to you, the reader. Your role in this unfolding narrative is pivotal. Your engagement, your voice, and your actions will determine how this story continues. This Bill, now law, is a canvas on which the future of Indian women in politics will be painted.

As we close this chapter, let’s celebrate this significant milestone in our journey towards gender equality. Let’s critique, engage, and most importantly, take part in this historic development. For this is not just the story of a bill; it’s the story of our collective stride towards a more equitable and representative society.



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Not Condemn But Compliment Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone, one of the biggest superstars in the country, talks about her past dating life, in a famous chat show, while sitting right next to her husband. It was a candid discussion where both Ranveer Singh (her husband) and she shared about the events that led to their marriage.

And what followed next?

Of course, trolling! Massive trolling – that questioned her character, credibility and integrity. So much so that a leading college staged a skit on her private life. WOW! So much for being a successful, articulate and honest woman! So much for a modern woman who had the guts to admit on national television that she was dating multiple men, that too in front of her husband! The only one with the ‘right’ to have problems with her statements, is her husband. But guess what? Everyone but him had problems!

So what does it tell us about us, as a society?

Well, it tells a lot. It shows that we are not ready to accept strong-willed women who lead their lives on their terms. A few years back, news about a leading male star ‘sleeping with 308 women’ – made it to the headlines. But a candid conversation by a female superstar on her own love life draws flak and downright character assassination. Being ‘open’ is such a menace for women. ‘Open’ never means the openness of one’s mind and spirit, but rather the easy ‘availability’ of one.

What we could have done?

We could have celebrated the candidness of the star couple, their understanding and transparency in marriage. The fact that she was so comfortable talking about her past suitors, in front of her husband, on national television shows the maturity of their relationship. Isn’t that how the level of comfort should be in marriage? And Ranveer’s little pretence of jealousy as she was talking about her suitors, was so adorable.

The Problem

Celebrity trolling is a modern-day menace. But what is more disturbing here is the fact that women are still judged on some medieval moral standards. Why having multiple relationships before settling down is still such a taboo? Why only women are still awarded the glorifying title of ‘home-breaker’? Don’t ‘men’ break homes too? Why choosing divorce over toxic relationships is still not preferred? Why ambition in women is frowned upon? Why choosing a career over children is criticized? When do we learn to accept women as individuals – independent of societal and family expectations? When do we stop judging them for choosing their path, making their own mistakes, overcoming their traumas and living their lives?

According to the National Crime Reports Bureau, crimes against women are up by 4% in 2023. Of which 31.4 % is ‘cruelty by husband or his relatives’. The root cause of these crimes is our mindset that belittles, questions and trolls the confident and independent woman.

This world has never been a bed of roses for women. Very few women have dared to live by their rules and celebrate their choices. Deepika Padukone is one such woman, who has made us proud as an Indian, as a woman, as an individual.  Instead of thrashing and trolling, she deserves our accolades and admiration.

History shows that trolling is temporary, inspiration is forever. The onus is on us – whether we choose to get inspired and rise or choose to troll and get doomed. Choose wisely. Our future is watching us.

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‘Cigarette Girl’ On Netflix Is Smashing Patriarchy With A Golden Hammer

If you like a purple background with blue dollops in it, then I am sure you will like this miniseries, an Indonesian drama “Cigarette Girl” streaming on Netflix. With five episodes of approximately an hour each the series captures your heart for the very reason it smashes patriarchy with a golden hammer.

It was the year 1964, back in M City Sir Idores Moeria owns a small Kretek (Cigarette) factory where we find only women workers being allowed to roll the cigarettes. Father to two daughters Dasiyah aka Jeng Yah and Rukayah he allows his daughters to follow their hearts never imposing a single rule on them. But of course the sisters prove their worth, especially Jeng Yah who takes a keen interest in her father’s business.

The only ban she faces is the entry to the blue door room where the flavors were being prepared by experimenting with several blends. Females were denied an entry into that room with a saying that females aren’t deft in creating a suitable aroma much to angst of Dasiyah aka Jeng Yah.

The series streams back and forth between 2001 and the 60’s. In the year 2001 we find a conglomeration of facts and a dying man’s will to unite with his long lost girlfriend. Set in Jakarta the old man is the owner of a vast empire of kretek. He is seen fighting cancer. He hands over his free spirited son Lebas a picture of people whom he has never seen and letters written by someone he has never met.

Apparently it is a love story between Soeraja and Dasiyah whose accidental meeting changes their trajectory of lives forever. Raja is a Dutch who is looking for avenues to establish himself when in the market place he sees Dasiyah. He is the only man who doesn’t lower his eyes in front of her.

A series of events follow and Idores hires Raja to work in his factory. Dasiyah who is in charge then makes him sit with all females and roll cigarettes and Raja proves he is way better than what Dasiyah had thought about him. Idores had in him an innate quality of judging a person without a flaw. He promotes Raja to the post of his factory’s foreman.

The time when patriarchy was at its best Dasiyah not only rejected her marriage proposals but expressed her will to make a unique flavor of kretek which would be cherished and remembered forever. Raja hands over the key of the flavor room to Dasiyah where she makes a unique blend with Rose petals which her father christens as Gadis Kretek (Cigaretter Girl).

Though Raja and Idores are shown very progressive the societal scenario projected was highly patriarchal. First, Dasiyah is a girl. Second, their family belonged to the rival political party and Third, Dasiyah never wanted to marry until she met Raja.

The film smashes the glass ceiling when Lebas upon instructions from his father travels for the search of the women Jeng Yah. He visits the Kretek museum when he encounters Arum who is taken aback by the picture. The love story of Raja and Jeng Yah is well explained. Also Jeng Yah gets the credit for her flavor which was wrongly used under the pseudo label of Lebas’s greedy grandfather.

And destiny had it in store another love story bubbling between Lebas and Arum. May be a compensation of the lost love between Jeng Yah and Soeraja. Soeraja finally meets Jeng Yah in her grave and he too dies few days later. The film caught my eye just because of Idores nature and his ideals of being a feminist father. I too was brought up by a feminist father and that’s the reason I know what it means to fight out these men.

I was the only female student in the class of sixty males in the department of Mechanical Engineering where not only I was harangued by my classmates but was also a victim of molestation by my Professor. He sabotaged my grades so that I fail but he couldn’t succeed in his mission. There are stories to women giving in to his demands and that may be the reason of his undue audacity.

The series is picturesque. The beautiful splashes of blues, purple and white steals the show. To be precise each color indicated an emotion just like the Navarasas in the Vedic literature. The flavor room was magnificently articulated and brings out in the audiences the spirit of nostalgia.

There is always a curiosity in the viewers – what next? The introduction of ink, pen and paper takes us back to our childhood when mobile, computers, tabs and what not were a far cry. The actors have presented their works gracefully and the tender beauty Jeng Yah steals the show with her sprinkling eyes. The makeup artist too deserves a standing ovation as each character was represented by his/her’s brushes.

The series is based on the Novel named Gadis Kretek by author Ratih Kumala. I will recommend you to watch the series. You might find it a bit slow but try giving it a shot. A word of caution the entire series is loaded with scenes of heavy smoking though they have given a trigger warning right at the beginning of the series where the dying old man scoffs puffing a cigarette.

Trust me you will enjoy the series. Go for it, now.

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Pieces of Home

Crowded street, twinkling lights

Happy dogs sleeping on streets wide

Dingy lanes, stuffed rickshaw

Outbursts of anger, ensuing in fights

Oh the chaos everywhere, and so is the glee

Tiny pieces of my home

That’s what I miss, you see.

 

That slight bent of the river

December mornings giving me a shiver

A Loud thunk of an evening temple gong

A burly communist walking amidst believers

Oh the music everywhere immersing me

So many random slices of my home

That’s what I miss terribly, you see.

 

The unmissable aroma of fresh, crisp kochuri,

Hot tea and loud chatter of politics in the air

Young footballer walking home in a Brazil jersey

Hopeful men talking of class and divide sans a care

Oh the dare everywhere, in all corners I see

That fearless abandon of my home

That’s what I miss awfully, you see.

 

But here’s the truth

Don’t think I’m all that pious or pure at heart

Took me years and years to love these parts

Lanes that I couldn’t then wait to escape

Paved the way today for me to boldly chart

Finally, I understand what truly sets me free,

Embracing it all, petals, buds, and the thorns

Grounded in loving truth is all I hope to be.

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‘Woman, Know Your Place!’ – The Ultimate Guide To Keeping Women In Line

Albert Einstein pretty much nailed it when he said, “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.”

The crazy-haired genius was being eloquent about a facet of human nature that doesn’t really deserve that sort of consideration.

As an extension of this strange predilection, it’s in our nature to put things in their place and most people, in particular, simply cannot resist putting a woman in her place.

Women are criticised no matter what they do

She could be doing something as innocuous as plucking flowers to something as important as leading a nation. God forbid if she is a confident and outspoken one to boot. For them, that’s the final, extra seeti on an overcooked dal! Unacceptable!

An accomplished friend recently put up a post about being her own inspiration, and bas! She was inundated with comments about her lack of modesty and being arrogant, self-obsessed, and a poor role model. Since when did being your own champion instead of relying on someone else become an emblem of conceit? Left up to these folks, they would change Maybelline’s tagline to ‘I CAN be worth it, but let me try harder!’

Women have been silenced throughout history

For centuries now, women have been conditioned by society to stay in line, and not come across as proud or overassertive. Even speaking of your accomplishments or promoting yourself and your work will land you in the socially ostracised mandali of the ‘proudy’ women.

Psychologists have long examined the undeniable effects of this constant badgering and questioning of self and our abilities. It leads to what is now commonly known as imposter syndrome, something that is compounded by the fact that women are innately born with issues of self-doubt and self-worth. The antecedents of this phenomenon can be traced back to the 1970s when it was believed to be prevalent primarily amongst high-achieving women. It’s no surprise then that the bold ones, the clever ones, those who had dreams, who basically chose to step out of the line and far beyond were the ones left questioning everything they stood for.

“Bicycle face” – really?!

Have you ever heard of the term ‘Bicycle face?’ It was a term coined by doctors in the late 18th century describing a condition that largely affected women as a consequence of riding bicycles. (No, I didn’t just make this up. I promise.) This ‘ailment’, born of excessive bicycle riding led to flushed faces, dark circles, uneven skin tone, and other problems which could even alter the way you looked! It was nothing but a tactic to get women to stay indoors instead of experiencing the freedom and flexibility of life offered to them through the ease and mobility of bicycles. Years later, many doctors challenged the very premise of this ‘condition’ and the sufferers, or Bicycle facees, so to speak, heaved a sigh of relief. Can you see how easy it is to manipulate women back into the cages built for them?

So many years later, in every pocket of the world, we are still suffering from many unnamed maladies that are born at the confluence of our own insecurities and the rule book of society. Outspoken women across the fields of entertainment, politics, business, literature, and even home makers continue to be targeted for their choices and most of the time without any provocation.

What we need to do now

Isn’t it time that some fortification began in the foundational home space even before our little ones stepped out into the world and dealt with the minefield of psychological warfare and gender biases? That job is ours. I read an article recently where a doctor recommended that we should start the day by standing in front of the mirror and proclaim that we love ourselves. At least 10 times. We might not believe it the first 7 times, but by the end of it even if we can truly accept and absorb it even once before we get on with the day, that’s already an arsenal in the bag.

Whether it is being mansplained to (even by women, mind you) in the kitchen, the home, the office, the bedroom, we all are battle-hardened veterans already. All we need to do is ensure that we keep eating into those invisible lines that have been drawn all around us like a web, to contain us. It’s not about a rabid revolution but a mundane and frequent denial of towing the line. In fact, its about consciously walking through the line, one step at a time, so far, that we are beyond the reach of censure, conventions and labels. Like Priyanka Chopra Jonas very eloquently explained, ‘Haters gonna hate, potatoes gonna potate, rotis gonna rotate, you do you!’


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Ranbir’s Violent Anti-Hero In Animal Is Glorified, And That’s Not Ok!

Trigger Warning: This has graphic descriptions of violence and may be triggering for survivors.

‘Animal’ is the topic of discussion nowadays. Many are celebrating the Arjun Reddy director’s new release starring Ranbir Kapoor. While Ranbir showed his tremendous acting skills through different getups, the movie is triggering for many.

An anti-hero should be a hated character

Why is it triggering? This is a major question one should ask if they have watched the movie. It is triggering for so many reasons, but the most highlighted part is that the movie made a violent, aggressive man a heroic figure. The young fans are celebrating Ranbir Kapoor’s character. And that is a major problem.

At the time of the release of the Malayalam movie ‘Uyare,’ Asif Ali, who played a major role in the movie, was a heroic figure in his previous movies. But nobody justified his character in ‘Uyare’, and as an actor, he succeeded in it. Even though he is a star, his character was hated by the audience. But in the case of ‘Animal,’ people are not hating Ranbir’s character, and that is the issue with this movie.

Creative freedom does not take away a filmmaker’s social responsibility

While people are referring to the director’s creativity and freedom, they forget that freedom comes with responsibility. As citizens, through our work, we should show some responsibility towards our country. And ‘Animal’ fails from that perspective. I saw a post on this movie saying that it is okay to torture Rashmika’s character because she chose him as her husband on her own. So basically, they are saying it is okay to torture your partner in a love marriage.

Recent data show that 37% of women and above experienced domestic violence, and many are unreported. These numbers include physical and emotional violence. And these numbers are not just numbers, and these acts should not be normalized.

While watching and enjoying the scenes of this movie, we should also remember these numbers. because humans are good at imitating. We follow certain trends in movies. Movies have a deep influence on us. The actions of our favourite will become a part of who we are. This influence will make us behave like that character. We know that many movies normalise slapping wives, but ‘Thappad’ pointed out that it is not just a slap. But that movie was not digestible for many. There are many examples to show from real life, including how movies change our lives.

So the point is, a filmmaker like Sandeep Vanga Reddy has the freedom to follow his art. But normalising aggressive behaviour towards your partner and making this animalistic character a heroic figure is not okay. One can celebrate the actor in Ranbir, but not his character in Animal.

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Mental Health And Women – An Oxymoron

What happened to ‘when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade?’ I have never heard of one throwing away the lemons! Well, not until I came across this news – Jacinda Ardern, the PM of New Zealand, had called it quits.

Frankly, this doesn’t make any sense!

This woman had it all – the coveted post and the perfect husband. And yet, she failed to do her job. Shocking and unbelievable, right?

My heart bleeds for the poor bloke who sacrificed his career, put his dreams on hold, and turned into a house-husband just so that his “better” half could rise the ladder. He independently shouldered the humongous responsibility of managing their home, while she managed the relatively easier Covid crisis.

This guy is not an ordinary man. He is no less than superman! He picked up the grocery and the laundry. And what do you think she was doing while his arms hurt after lugging around those hefty bags? She was busy chatting and gossiping with other politicians and world leaders. Duh, even my maid can do that!

The unsung hero

This brave man looked up recipes online and cooked sumptuous meals for her. What’s worse? He even stacked the dishwasher while she had “important” papers to sign. She sparkled under the limelight, while his sacrifices went unnoticed. This selfless man took care of their daughter, fed her, bathed her, and even changed her soiled nappies. Now tell me, which self-respecting man does that?!

One would think this would be enough for a woman to focus on her job. But no! Apparently, this isn’t enough at all.

She quit. I am quoting her exact words here, ‘I no longer have enough in the tank to do the job justice.’”

Her resignation has inspired the feminist bra-burning brigade to rant and scream about mental health and some other nonsensical stuff. But for the life of me, I don’t understand what the hullabaloo is all about! Which sane person talks about ‘mental health’ and ‘women’ in the same sentence? Isn’t that the greatest oxymoron ever!!

Let me explain what a ‘woman’s’ role is…

Be a consenting partner in the bedroom, always eager to please. Outside, a trophy wife. Her figure should evoke jealousy in the neighbours’ hearts and bring pride to her owner. Oops, I meant husband!

As a mother, she has to solve math problems faster than Srinivasa Ramanujan. Her kids should be well-dressed and on their best behaviour at all times.

In the kitchen, she has to bake better than Martha Stewart and put Tarla Dalal to shame with her cooking skills.

And most important of all, she has to add to the family income. No one likes a squatter!

This is not something unachievable or unrealistic. So many Indian women do this. I have never heard my mother, wife, sister, or other women complain or quit. Everyone knows a woman has to do it all, silently, with not a frown wrinkling her smooth face.

I guess Ardern’s ‘foreignness’ has made her blind and deaf to the basic expectations of a woman.

It’s not rocket science! Some women just don’t get it…

In case you are wondering who I am?

I am the voice of every sensible husband and every gentleman who is bugged with all the unwanted attention a woman’s mental health is getting. Believe me, it’s an oxymoron.

P.S. – Through this satirical post, I wish to highlight the lack of attention given to a woman’s mental health. As of October 2021, women had the highest share of mental health disorders in India, amounting to 39 percent and 30 percent for stress and anxiety health disorders, respectively, respectively. Comparatively, 33 percent of men had depression as compared to women with 31 percent during the same time period.

Image Source: BBC

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Stand Up India Scheme: All You Need To Know

Stand Up India Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Finance on 5th April 2016 under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The scheme promotes economic empowerment and job creation. 

The scheme’s sole purpose is to promote entrepreneurship amongst women and minority reserved categories — scheduled caste and scheduled tribe (SC/ST). So far, it has provided loans for greenfield enterprises in manufacturing and trading activities aligned with agriculture. 

What is the aim Stand Up India Scheme?

The scheme also aims to encourage all bank branches to extend loans. The desiring applicants can apply under the Stand Up India Scheme by visiting the nearby branch, through the Stand Up India Portal, or with the help of the lead District Manager. 

The eligibility criteria for a loan are as follows: 

  • SC/ST or women entrepreneurs
  • The age should be 18+ years.
  • Loans under this scheme are particularly available for green field projects (agriculture-related activities) only.
  • Borrowers should not be in default to any financial institution.

Benefits of the scheme?

The benefits of the scheme are endless, and it indeed provides financial security along with economic opportunity with low interest and easy return. In the case of non-individual enterprises, 51% of the total stakeholder must be the applicant. 

The composite loan inclusive of term loan and working capital is between 10 lakhs and up to 100 lakhs. Composite loan of 85% of the project cost, inclusive of term loan and working capital. The stipulation of the loan being expected to cover 85% of the project cost would apply if the borrower’s contribution along with convergence support from any other schemes exceeds 15% of the total project cost. 

The interest rate would be the lowest applicable rate of the bank for the category. The applicant can pay back the loan within years, with a maximum moratorium period of 18 months.

For withdrawal of working capital up to 10 lakhs, the bank is to issue a Rupay Debit Card to the borrower. For working capital limit above 10 lakhs to be sanctioned by way of Cash Credit limit. 

The Stand Up India Ecosystem is currently a large network with 100000+ banks, 17000+ helping centres, 193302 sanctioned applications, Rs. 43541.75 sanctioned amount, and 24613 handholding agencies working with the Government of India shaping dreams of a million.

To register, click here.


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