She Breaks Barriers

  CHALLENGING THE NORMS: THE SILENT BATTLE OF INDIAN WOMEN IN SPORTS August 7th, 2024 would go down in Indian history as the time when a strong, irrepressible, and buoyant Indian sportswoman would be remembered as the one whose struggle to bring glory to the country failed by a hairline. Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 from the wrestling championship because she was overweight by a mere 100 grams. She was cheered, backed up, and celebrated across the nation for the many hats she donned and the fighting spirit she has. Now let’s turn back the pages of history and visit the era between the 1940s to 1950s. Hamida Banu, known as the “Amazon of Aligarh”, the village near Aligarh where she was born, was the first undefeated Indian women wrestler. In the times when wrestling was a male dominated sport, she broke the norms by proposing to marry the wrestler who would defeat her. She travelled to many cities announcing the challenge and never was defeated once. Her m

                                                   When there is a calm outside her window: when the world is asleep she can’t sleep because her mind is in turmoil with emotions and ideas. She has had a load that has stagnated in the chest as if it has become her very blood. Like most women of her age she is a strong and independent woman who cannot be easily subdued. Yet in her, in secret, her inner lady seethed at bitter words ringing in her ears, some said some merely heard demands. She was once young; she used to have dreams, aspirations, and an affinity to the world. But then life happened. Love came its way; she fell in love believing that love would address all the issues. He was a s.o.b, but very suave and flattering and he told her everything she wanted to hear. Subsequently, love evolved into something she never dreamed of until it shook her self-esteem. The entire time though, she kept wondering, why? The abuse was thus both physical and psychological. Along with all the

Financial inclusion, the process of ensuring access to and use of formal financial services, is a cornerstone of economic development. For women, it is a powerful tool for empowerment, enabling them to participate fully in the economy and improve their lives. In India, where traditional gender roles and socioeconomic disparities persist, financial inclusion for women is particularly critical.   The Importance of Financial Independence for Women Financial independence is essential for women to break free from the shackles of poverty and dependence. It empowers them to make their own decisions, invest in their education and healthcare, and contribute to their families' well-being. Access to financial services enables women to save for emergencies, start businesses, and build assets, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life.    Moreover, financially independent women are more likely to participate in the workforce, leading to increased economic growth and social progress. Th

  The issue of women's safety in India has been a persistent and complex challenge. Despite numerous initiatives and legal reforms, the country continues to grapple with a high incidence of crimes against women. This article delves into the root causes, the various measures implemented, and the path forward for ensuring a safer environment for women.   The Dark Underbelly India, a country that reveres women as goddesses, paradoxically witnesses a disturbingly high rate of crimes against them. From sexual harassment and domestic violence to rape and murder, the spectrum of crimes is alarming. The psychological and emotional trauma inflicted on victims is immeasurable, and the fear it instills in women across the country is palpable.   Several factors contribute to this grim reality. Deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes, gender inequality, and a lack of awareness about women's rights create an environment conducive to such crimes. Additionally, factors like alcohol consumption,