Let's Talk Women's Empowerment | Bindu Unnikrishnan

Every March, as Women's Day approaches, companies roll out pink-themed discounts, social media gets flooded with “girl power” slogans, and LinkedIn lights up with posts about “strong women” (mostly written by men who still expect their wives to handle all household chores).

But let’s be honest—empowerment isn’t about a hashtag, a miniskirt, or a token promotion. It’s about something deeper: real choices, real respect, and real equality.

Women don’t need society to grant them freedom like it’s a festival offer. They need the space to make their own choices—without scrutiny, without unsolicited advice, and definitely without emotional blackmail. Want to get married at 40? Great. Want to stay single? Equally great. Want to leave a high-paying job to become a painter? Go for it. The point is, women should not have to justify their choices—whether it’s career, marriage, motherhood, or lifestyle.

And can we please retire the sartorial hypocrisy? A woman in a miniskir
t is “too modern.” A woman in a saree is “too traditional.” A woman in jeans is “too Western.” Is there any outfit that doesn’t invite a committee discussion?

Ever seen a woman in an intricately draped saree trying to maneuver her way around puddles, holding the pleats in one hand and balancing dignity in the other, all while worrying about tripping on the stairs? It’s like an Olympic sport—except the only prize is unsolicited “culture” lessons. Meanwhile, men get to stroll around in comfortable trousers, stretching, lounging, and sitting however they please. When was the last time someone asked a man if his trousers reflected his upbringing or culture?

Despite years of progress, gender bias in Indian workplaces still refuses to retire. Case in point: At a recent workshop, a highly respected school principal—a woman, mind you—declared, "Men are more efficient at work because they don’t waste time worrying about how to cook bhindi for dinner!"

Well, of course! While women juggle deadlines and dal recipes, men focus solely on work, blissfully unaware of life’s real pressure points—like figuring out how to make a last-minute volcano model for a seven-year-old’s science project. But why, oh why, is “What’s for dinner?” still a woman’s unsanctioned job title? And more importantly, why is bhindi always in the equation?

let’s not forget the casual sexism. A man working late is “dedicated.” A woman working late is asked, “Who’s taking care of your family?” A male boss is “assertive.” A female boss is “bossy.” The double standards are exhausting.

In India, marriage is still seen as a woman’s grand trophy—her ultimate Mission Accomplished. No matter how educated or independent she is, her worth somehow shrinks down to the size of her wedding card.

"Not changing your last name? Oh, so you’re not adjusting?"

Well, am I not adjusting enough after two decades of ghar, sanskaar, and strategically dodging unsolicited advice?

"No sindoor or black beaded chain? How will people know you’re married?"

Maybe from the exhaustion on my face?

"Not quitting your job after kids? Who will raise them?"

I don’t know, maybe both parents? Just a wild thought.

Meanwhile, what changes for the husband after marriage? Pretty much just his waistline—thanks to all the wedding feasts.

And then there’s the classic waiting game—waiting for the husband to take you to the mall, waiting for him to drive you to a friend’s house, waiting for his schedule to magically sync with yours. But why wait? Grab the keys, drive yourself, shop like a queen, and maybe treat yourself to a solo coffee date—because independence is the real luxury.

And when you get back from work, let him dazzle you with his tea-making skills while you kick back for a change. Better yet, let him showcase his artistic laundry-folding talents—because, let’s be real, figuring out how to fold a fitted bedsheet is basically an IQ test.

Cooking is a life skill, not a gender role. If a woman can crack complex physics equations, she can also choose to not crack an egg if she doesn’t want to. Yet, at family gatherings, women are still expected to serve the men first, while uncles lounge around debating politics. When was the last time someone told a grown man, "Beta, learn to cook, or how will you survive?"

Women empowerment isn’t about fiery speeches; it’s about real, everyday wins. Equal pay shouldn’t be up for debate—because “you don’t need a high salary” is not an argument, it’s an excuse. And reproductive rights? Well, that’s a woman’s decision, not a group discussion at the family dinner table.

So, the next time your mother-in-law eagerly says, “I want to hear the good news soon,” hit her with a real surprise—tell her you just got promoted to manager. Now that’s some breaking news!

Safety should be a priority—not a cautionary tale women have to live by. Telling women to be careful isn’t the same as actually fixing the problem.

And respect? That’s not a reward for getting married, having kids, or dressing a certain way. A woman’s worth isn’t measured by sindoor, stretch marks, or saree length—it’s non-negotiable, full stop.

It’s time to press Ctrl+Alt+Del on outdated beliefs. Empowerment isn’t about letting women participate in society—it’s about ensuring they own their place in it. Wear the miniskirt, the saree, the salwar, or the tracksuit—just make sure you also wear confidence. Because empowerment isn’t about clothes; it’s about choices. And we’re done waiting for permission.

Now, let’s reboot.

About the Author

Bindu Unnikrishnan

Bindu Unnikrishnan is a dynamic writer and poet, having contributed to over 65 anthologies and more than 20 national and international digital magazines. Her literary excellence has been recognized in several national-level poetry contests and honored with prestigious awards from esteemed literary agencies and publishers. She received the Emily Dickinson Prize for her debut poetry collection, My Treasure Trove of Emotions, a poignant exploration of human emotions that has garnered widespread acclaim. What sets her writing apart is her ability to forge a deep emotional connection with readers, seamlessly blending profound themes with humor. Her language is simple yet evocative, painting vivid imagery that resonates with a wide audience. Beyond writing, Bindu is a passionate Physics teacher at a city school in Pune, inspiring her students to think critically and creatively. A vocal advocate for women’s empowerment, she champions liberation and resilience through her essays, stories, and poems, emerging as a role model for modern women across the globe. A dedicated marathoner, Bindu has completed over 10 marathons in less than two years, embodying her motto of embracing challenges with unwavering enthusiasm. She has also made her mark in the fashion and pageantry world, winning multiple beauty titles and actively participating in fashion circuits and brand endorsements. She has graced the runway for charity-driven fashion shows, using her presence to support meaningful causes. In 2023, she was crowned Mrs. Maharashtra (Elite) by Diva Pageants, earning recognition for her intellect, elegance, and philanthropic contributions. A dreamer at heart, Bindu inspires others to pursue their aspirations with passion and perseverance. She can be reached at bindu13@gmail.com.