‘Breaking Stereotypes’ on International Women’s Day
Looking at stereotypical Indian Soaps and dramas like Sirf Tum, Sasural Simar Ka, Shashtri Sisters programs that are woman dominated takes me back to the era of 80s and 90s when women had the stereotyped roles to be played in the society. The women in these shows are shown sacrificing, handling drudgeries, bearing allegations and fighting to earn respect for themselves. Like really, shouldn’t we as a society be more realistic about how women are progressing and breaking every stereotype norms of the society.
Beautiful, presentable, knowing household work, family girl and companion to the partner is what and will always be expected out of a woman and no wonder she has been the epitome of sacrifice and love throughout many years. She has always kept her family, friends, and well-wishers before her but what’s wrong if she has started keeping herself as a priority. Many researches have shown that women are more multi-talented and emotionally strong than men and today’s woman has proved that she can manage her personal and professional life pretty well. So in this article, I will be discussing a few women who have broken the stereotype norms.
Bharti Singh, comedian, anchor and host of many successful shows has broken the stereotype of being fat and making a name for herself. Woman beauty is evaluated on the basis of features and figures and women with bulky figures had to face many jibes and refusals from the society. Though women are still body shamed but now there are more females who have started standing up against the mindset of such people.
White Skin and its obsession among Indians are no different. There was a time when females with white complexion were only opted as a lead heroine in the cine business. This ideology was so deeply rooted that Rekha, who had dark complexion when she joined the film industry, had to change her complexion to white. This notion was broken by actors like Samita Patil and Nandita Das to name the few with dark complexions who made a mark with their excellent performances.
Indira Nori, CEO Pepsico India is a name in the list of woman entrepreneur who has proven her analytical and business skills. Inspite of her professional achievements she has always believed in her role as a woman. She quoted ,” At the end of the day, don’t forget that you’re a person, don’t forget that you’re a mother, don’t forget that you’re a wife, don’t forget that you’re a daughter. Because in the end, no matter how much money you make & how much success you create, you are left with is family, friends & faith.”
Women have always been known for tolerating everything till the time water crosses over the head. An epitome of patience and sacrifice, she can bear anything for her family but in today’s time looking at the infidelities and her changing role as a single bearer of the family, she has started voicing her opinion. Her likes, dislikes, personal and professional decisions, he has a mind of her own. Strong opinionated women like Arundati Roy, Kiran Bedi, Shabana Azmi and others have also been disliked and opposed by the society for their strong views.
Therefore it’s high time to accept the gender equality between men and women who are equally capable and efficient to manage their personal and professional lives. Words like capabilities, talent, passion, interest, intelligence and hardwork are not used for specific gender and create no biasness.
