An Independence Day wish for my daughter

On this Independence Day, it's worth pondering which aspects of the promise Jawaharlal Nehru made in 1947 have actually been fulfilled for Indian women. Simone de Beauvoir warned that one is not born a woman, but rather made into one, and this rings true in India where women face daily restrictions like sitting properly or not laughing loudly.

This year, the writer confronted these limitations firsthand by resigning from an actors' association in Kerala, highlighting the need for women to not only enter but also lead spaces. Despite being the leading producers of female STEM graduates, women only occupy 27% of the STEM workforce, while only 3.4% of senior advocates and 13% of key department-head roles in entertainment are held by women.

The writer argues that women's endurance is often praised, rather than questioning why they must endure such conditions. A personal reflection followed the writing of this piece, as the writer became a mother, only to have her age questioned in the media rather than her achievements. The writer emphasizes that true independence should allow women to live their lives freely, without interruption, with equal opportunities in work and representation.

It's a call for a reevaluation of our legal system and societal expectations for women to truly enjoy the freedom they deserve on this Independence Day.