Nitu looked thoughtful, “But something happened, didn’t it ? You came home pouting and angry. And, didn’t talk to Amma for two full days.”

Aparna went weak in her knees. The thought of her daughters all alone in the house in this situation, and her mother in dire need of medical attention was enough to send a shiver down her spine.

Gender inequality in Indian society skews the rights of daughters against those of sons. After all, why can't a daughter be the heir who cares for her family and parents?

“Oh that explains a lot. That’s why, when Mama asked you to put away your toys, you suddenly started getting so angry and being stubborn, and then you started refusing to help with any household chores."

Teaching to say NO to sexual harassment begins at home, when we do not tamp down our daughters' voices by letting them express their opinions.