Challenges of Women in Society

I am an average middle-class girl from Kerala, often fondly called “God’s Own Country”, and I think this is true only to a certain extent. Nestled between the beautiful Western Ghats and the vast Arabian Sea, my hometown offers a stunning backdrop of natural beauty. To the east, the Western Ghats rise majestically, their surroundings surrounded by lush green hills that thrive in the cool, calm air. The aroma of tea and coffee plantations wafts through the air, blending with the spicy aromas of cardamom and pepper, creating a fragrant fabric unique to this region. With 44 rivers, countless wild streams, and an incredible variety of wildlife including elephants, deer, and a wide variety of birds, nature truly thrives here. To the west, the Arabian Sea stretches endlessly, its blue waves gently lapping against the sandy shores, while tranquil backwaters dotted with coconut trees and sparkling lakes add to Kerala’s alluring appeal.

However, despite the stunning beauty of the land, the social landscape presents a different narrative. When the shadows of ill-intentioned individuals loom large, creating an underlying undercurrent of fear, it is disheartening to admit that girls cannot step out with complete confidence anytime soon. This constant anxiety takes a toll on parents, who are constantly worried about their daughters’ safety in a world that seems full of dangers. In our culture, many adults scrutinize girls based on their dress and behavior, often imposing a judgment that feels suffocating, as if they are walled off.

Moreover, there is a widespread expectation that once married, a girl will devote herself wholeheartedly to supporting her family, often throwing her own dreams and aspirations under the bus in the process. She is expected to take care of her husband's parents, raise the children, manage the household chores, and put the needs of the family above her own, which leads to the neglect of her personal aspirations and identity. As she grows up, her parents tell her that she should be married off to another family and learn all the household chores.

In Kerala, the idea of ​​a "good woman" is tied to fulfilling these traditional roles, often measured by how well she meets the societal standards of sacrifice and duty. But is it only by meeting these expectations that a girl can be considered a "good girl"? It often feels like a tightrope walk, where even a single mistake can lead to her losing her place in the eyes of society, and she has to grapple with questions about her own worth and identity in a world that is so demanding.

While this has changed somewhat, some things still remain.