Women in India face a burden of societal expectations, sacrificing their own aspirations for the sake of others.
Unlearning the socialization of patriarchy and embracing feminist ideals is crucial for middle-class women in India.
Deep dives
The Burden of Indian Women's Overwork: Challenges and Inequalities
In this podcast episode, Nilanjana Bormik, author of 'Lies Our Mother Told Us: The Indian Woman's Burden,' discusses the prevalent gender inequalities and challenges faced by Indian women. Despite progress in women's achievements, women in India remain some of the most overworked in the world. Bormik highlights the burden of societal expectations placed on women to sacrifice their own aspirations for the sake of others. She emphasizes the need to unlearn the socialization of patriarchy and challenges middle-class women face in embracing feminist ideals. Additionally, Bormik proposes solutions such as providing more support for women's unpaid caregiving work, creating gender-inclusive workplaces, and fostering societal changes through education and empowerment.
Challenging Patriarchy and Empowering Women
The podcast delves into the role of patriarchy in shaping societal norms and women's experiences in India. Bormik reflects on her own family dynamics and the conflicting messages she received from her mother and father. She emphasizes the need for women to challenge the traditional roles assigned to them and the importance of supportive and equal partnerships. Bormik also critiques modern liberal feminism, arguing that it often expects women to conform to male-dominated norms rather than challenging the patriarchal structures themselves.
Visibility of Women's Overwork and Caregiving
The podcast highlights the significance of the COVID-19 pandemic in exposing the invisible labor and caregiving performed by women in India. Bormik discusses the need to recognize and value women's unpaid caregiving work, which often goes unnoticed and underappreciated. She calls for policies and support systems that address the caregiving burden faced by women, including affordable childcare options and a shift in societal attitudes towards shared responsibilities.
Lessons from Empowering Female Figures
The podcast explores Bormik's personal experiences and the influence of empowering female figures in her life, including her partner's grandmother, Mahaswetadevi. Bormik reflects on the lessons and unlearning that occurred through her interactions with these strong women. She highlights the importance of creating supportive environments that challenge traditional gender roles and empower individuals to embrace their aspirations and potential.
In her book, Lies Our Mothers Told Us, writer and journalist Nilanjana Bhowmick talks about how middle-class homes can be a laboratory for patriarchy, and the burden that women have to bear in India. In this episode, she joins Sandip Roy to talk about what inspired her to write the book, fighting patriarchy at home, the lack of women in public spaces, a possible solution to break the cycle of caregiving burden, and much more.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
