India's Persistent Gender Bias: Discrimination Against Girls Begins Before Birth Despite Legal Safeguards

In India, the pervasive issue of gender discrimination casts a long shadow over the lives of many girls, often starting even before they are born. This reality persists despite the implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act in 1994, which outlawed pre-natal sex determination in an effort to curb female feticide. While this law represents an important legal step, societal attitudes, deeply rooted in patriarchal traditions, continue to uphold and propagate various forms of bias against women and girls.

Patriarchy, as a social system, establishes men as the dominant authority while relegating women to subordinate roles. These deeply ingrained beliefs manifest in subtle and overt ways, shaping societal behavior and expectations. From the preference for male children to the unequal distribution of resources like education, nutrition, and healthcare, the value of a girl child is often diminished within families and communities.

This bias is further reinforced by cultural norms, traditions, and long-standing stereotypes that favor sons for reasons such as lineage continuation, economic support, and the performance of last rites. Conversely, daughters are viewed as financial burdens due to dowry practices and societal pressure to conform to gendered roles. These entrenched attitudes contribute to an environment where gender inequality persists, undermining the progress made by laws and reforms aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls.

Societal Expectations and the "Good Woman" Stereotype

Indian society often imposes rigid standards on women, judging them for their choices, behaviors, and appearances. A “good woman” is traditionally seen as one who is obedient, submissive, modest in attire, and devoted to her family’s needs above her own. Women who challenge these norms by expressing their opinions, prioritizing their careers, embracing individuality, or rejecting traditional roles such as motherhood are frequently criticized and ostracized.

This societal lens defines a woman’s worth by her adherence to roles such as marriage and motherhood, neglecting the fact that happiness and fulfillment vary greatly among individuals. Not every woman seeks or finds joy in these roles, and forcing them into these molds disregards their autonomy and personal aspirations.

Individual Choices and Societal Constraints

Every individual is unique, with distinct thoughts, behaviors, and goals. Yet, women in India often face a stark choice: conform to societal expectations or pursue their own paths at the cost of social approval. For instance, a woman desiring an adventurous life might have to abandon the conventional dream of a "well-settled" marriage with children. The true essence of freedom lies in allowing women to decide for themselves—whether to embrace societal norms or follow their passions. Unfortunately, many women are coerced into paths they do not wish to tread, such as early marriages or giving up their dreams.

A significant question arises: what should a woman do when faced with the predicament of being “forced” to act against her will or denied her right to choose? The answer lies in empowerment. Women must stand up for their aspirations and challenge societal expectations. By asserting their individuality, they can begin to reshape how society perceives and treats them.

Clothing, Freedom, and Patriarchy

The scrutiny over how women dress is a microcosm of the larger issue of control and judgment. Women are conditioned to dress and present themselves in ways that align with societal norms, often sacrificing their comfort and preferences. True freedom will be achieved when women can dress as they wish, free from fear of judgment or discrimination. Respecting a woman’s choice of attire is a fundamental step toward dismantling patriarchy.

The Power of Empowered Women

Empowered women inspire others and ignite change. They challenge stereotypes and demonstrate the potential of self-determination. In some progressive corners of Indian society, women are breaking barriers, such as participating in combat roles in the Indian Army. Yet, in other areas, women are still discouraged from showcasing their intelligence, talents, or individuality.

Women like Mary Kom, excelling in boxing, or Geeta Phogat, dominating the wrestling arena, exemplify how women’s choices can inspire societal progress. These figures prove that empowerment is not bound by community, region, or background—it is a universal right.

Respecting Women’s Choices

A woman’s decision to prioritize her family, pursue a career, or embrace any role should be her own. Whether it’s choosing to marry, remain single, or become a homemaker, these choices must be respected. Empowering women means appreciating their decisions, even when they deviate from traditional expectations.

Society must celebrate women who carve out unconventional paths, such as single mothers raising their children with dedication or women excelling in male-dominated professions. Similarly, the quiet resilience of women supporting their families and communities deserves recognition.

Towards a More Inclusive Society

To create an equitable world, society must broaden its perspective. Change begins when individuals challenge their biases and uplift others by valuing diversity in choices and lifestyles. As Canadian poet Rupi Kaur aptly puts it, “Since day one, [a woman] already had everything she needs within herself. It’s the world that convinced her she did not.”

By dismantling the weight of societal expectations, we can build a future where women are free to live, dream, and thrive on their own terms.

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