AVAROHANA The textual content contained within this newsletter is owned by the Centre for New Economics Studies, Jindal Global University, and should not be recreated, reproduced, or republished in any form without explicit permission. This publication is intended solely for educational purposes. The views expressed herein are solely those of the contributors. Website: www.swaabhimaancnes.in Instagram: @swabhimaan.cnes Email: swabhimaa.cnes@gmail.com Published on 08 March, 2025 March 2025, Volume III Issue I ISSUED BY Swabhimaan, Centre for New Economics Studies Jindal School of Liberal Arts and Humanities Jindal Global University, Sonipat Swabhimaan Hope. Believe. Create.
Introductions The Invisible Economy: Recognizing Unpaid Domestic Labor in Global Economic Metrics Swabhimaan Team | Cover Page Feature Article | Anania 1 Women as symbols for Nationalism Podcast Series | In conversation with Shivali Yadav, Meher Biswas, and Aanchal Megan Menezes 15 4 Avarohana's Must Reads Book Recommendations | Suhani Sharma 16 3 Editor’s Note News Bits Headlines | Shivali Yadav 18 The Pink Tax: A Capitalist Penalty on Femininity Is Ambition Gendered? Policy Column | Gauri Yadav Discussion On-Campus | Anania 8 12 Art & Culture Media | Suhani Sharma 20 Crossword Puzzle | Team Swabhimaan 21
Page 1 Avarohana Swabhimaan Team Suhani Sharma is currently pursuing law at Jindal Global Law School, building on a foundation in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi. Her researchwork is driven by a fascination with the intersections of law, gender, and economics, and a commitment to blending storytelling, data, and policy to create meaningful change. Team Lead Nandita Purvi Durgam is a third year BA LLB student at Jindal Global University. She is currently a Research Intern at CNES. Through Swabhimaan, she aims to engage in self-reflection, fostering a journey towards enhancing her philosophical approach to life. Co-Team Lead Anania is a second-year Bachelor of Design student specialising in Immersive Digital Environments. She explores gender, identity, and power through visual storytelling and interactive experiences. With a deep sense of respect, she challenges societal norms and traces history’s shifts in power dynamics. Through Swabhimaan, she hopes to spark conversations that inspire reflection and change. When not designing, she’s dancing, singing, or dissecting the world one thought at a time. She has served as the Design Editor for this edition. Shivali Yadav is a first-year BBA LLB (Hons.) student at Jindal Global Law School. She is currently working as a research intern for Swabhimaan, a podcast host for Interlinked, and a columnist for Nickled and Dimed. Her interests lie in the intersection between gender, its portrayal in media, and how oppressive structures become embedded in society. Through her participation in Swabhimaan, she wishes to create a space where we can unravel the complexities of intersectionality.
ART AND THE GENDER GAP YOU CAN HELP CHANGE THAT BY LEARNING ABOUT, FOLLOWING, AND SUPPORTING MORE WOMEN ARTISTS. HERE ARE SOME WOMEN WHO ARE MAKING AN IMPACT, WHOM YOU HAVE LIKELY NOT HEARD ABOUT: The Everyday Artist Is there a difference between men and women when it comes to art? Well, yes. Historically artists who have made the most significant impact on the world have been male. This is due to women not being allowed into art schools or apprenticeships until much later in history. Men also took credit for women’s work so that it could gain approval. Furthermore, much of women’s work remained unacknowledged as art. Even today, women’s artistic endeavors are called ‘craft’ but will be considered ‘art’ when done by a man. Studies found that men tend to use the right side of the brain to make art, while women use both sides. This has been linked to hunter-gatherer type roles. With that in mind, observations have been made about differences in the styles and energetic direction in men’s and women’s art. Men tend to lean towards the angular while women towards more flowing styles and natural subjects. Another interesting observation is that while women tend to visit galleries more than men, men tend to be exhibited more. Shamsia Hassani is an Afghan graffiti artist, a fine arts lecturer, and the associate professor of Drawing and Anatomy Drawing at Kabul University. Akasha Rabut is a photographer and educator based in New Orleans. Her work explores multi-cultural phenomena and traditions rooted in the American South. Zubeida Agha is regarded as “A Pioneer of Modern Art in Pakistan” Micha Cárdenas works in New Media art. Her practice involves wearable electronics and the issues of transgender people of color within the digital realm. She helped design the Transborder Immigrant Tool, a GPS device that helps undocumented immigrants crossing the US-Mexico border to locate water stations.
Page 3 Avarohana Editor’s Note Avarohana, a term derived from the context of raga, embodies our commitment to exploring and reflecting on the intricate dimensions of gender. As a monthly publication, Avarohana is dedicated to illuminating the multifaceted interplay between gender dynamics, economic policies, and societal structures, fostering a discourse that is both introspective and geared towards catalysing change for more equitable and inclusive socioeconomic frameworks. This special edition of Avarohana, commemorating International Women’s Day, weaves together a rich tapestry of voices, perspectives, and critical analyses that both celebrate the strides made towards gender equality and interrogate the persistent challenges that continue to shape women’s lives. From the economic invisibility of unpaid domestic labour- a staggering $11 trillion contribution to global GDP, as estimated by the International Labour Organization- to the insidious mechanisms of the Pink Tax that penalise femininity, this edition delves into the systemic inequities that women navigate daily. It explores how societal expectations mould ambition, often framing assertiveness in women as aggression, while men are lauded for the same traits. The symbolic role of women in nationalist narratives, from Bharat Mata to Marianne, is also scrutinised, revealing how women are often revered as emblems of national identity yet confined by the very narratives that elevate them. Each article, discussion, and podcast episode underscores the intricate interplay of gender with economic, cultural, and political structures, reminding us that the pursuit of equality is not a solitary struggle but a collective endeavour that demands intersectional approaches. In the words of Simone de Beauvoir: “All oppression creates a state of war.” This edition is a call to action- a clarion call to recognise the invisible labour that sustains economies, to dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality, and to amplify the voices of those who have been marginalised by patriarchal structures. Through critical research pieces, thought-provoking book and media recommendations, and insightful discussions, we aim to spark conversations that inspire reflection, challenge norms, and catalyse change. We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated team, faculty advisors, and contributors whose collective efforts have made this edition possible.
The "Out of Love" Illusion: A Quiet Oversight I remember an introductory macroeconomics exam where we were asked whether a housewife’s work should be included in GDP. Over 70% of my classmates argued against it, reasoning that such work is performed "out of love" and thus lacks economic value. This perspective, while common, reflects a major oversight that has shaped the financial realities of millions of women for generations. It’s the mother waking up before dawn to pack lunches, the daughter putting her ambitions on hold to care for aging parents, the wife balancing countless household tasks. None of this is officially recognized as ‘work’ because it’s expected, because it’s unpaid, because it’s seen as an extension of familial duty rather than an economic contribution. But love doesn’t pay bills. Love doesn’t provide pensions. And love shouldn’t be an excuse for economic exclusion. The belief that unpaid domestic labor is a personal responsibility rather than a key pillar of the economy has kept millions financially dependent and undervalued. This is more than a conceptual flaw—it has real consequences for gender equity and financial security. The Economic Significance and Systematic Exclusion of Unpaid Domestic Labor If unpaid caregivers stopped working for just one day— no meals cooked, no children cared for, no homes maintained—the effects would be immediate and farreaching. Yet, despite its essential role, unpaid domestic work remains absent from economic calculations. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that if unpaid care work were assigned a monetary value, it could account for up to 9% of global GDP—around $11 trillion annually. TheInvisibleEconomy: RecognizingUnpaid DomesticLaborinGlobal EconomicMetrics 4 BY ANANIA GRAPH BY UN WOMEN & FRED AVROHANA | FEATURED ARTICLE
Feature Article Page 5 Avarohana Women contribute the majority—6.6% of GDP, compared to men’s 2.4%. In 2018, the economic value of women’s unpaid work in the U.S. was equal to 86% of all the economic activity recorded in the state of New York. In India, women spend an average of 352 minutes per day on unpaid domestic labor, compared to men’s 52 minutes. The result? Women are often left without financial independence, limited access to credit, and lower lifetime earnings. The exclusion of unpaid labor from GDP calculations has tangible effects. When work isn’t counted, it isn’t compensated. This contributes to lower pension savings, restricted credit access, and a deepened gender wealth gap. It also means that policymakers rarely account for the needs of caregivers, leaving them in financially vulnerable positions. If a woman cleans a stranger’s house, she is a domestic worker. If she cleans her own, it is invisible. If she cooks in a restaurant, she is a chef. If she cooks at home, it is dismissed as a personal duty. This isn’t just a cultural oversight—it’s a systemic failure to recognize labor when performed in a household setting. Economies benefit from this unpaid work as an invisible economic subsidy. A 2020 Oxfam study found that the annual economic contribution of unpaid care work by women aged 15 and over is at least $10.8 trillion—more than three times the size of the global tech industry. Recognizing unpaid domestic work would require governments and corporations to address the economic imbalance embedded in current structures. It would mean better social security policies, stronger parental leave, and a redistribution of labor that challenges traditional gender roles. The Systematic Destruction of Women's Economic Agency The exclusion of women from the formal economy is not accidental- it is a calculated suppression. Psychological studies show that when given a math test without negative marking, women perform better than men. But when the same test includes penalties for wrong answers, men outperform women. This reveals a deeper truth: women, conditioned to fear failure, are more likely to secondguess themselves, whereas men are encouraged to take risks. This conditioning is not limited to academia; it is a structural mechanism embedded into society. Women are systematically made to doubt their worth, their competence, and their ability to step into spaces dominated by men. If they begin to question their self-worth, if they are deprived of love and validation, if they are constantly told that their primary duty is to care rather than to earn, then they are less likely to challenge existing economic hierarchies. This is why the burden of unpaid domestic labor falls so disproportionately on women. It is a wellcrafted system that keeps women occupied- raising children, maintaining households, and supporting their partners- so they do not compete for financial resources.
could boost GDP by up to 4%. Feminist economists have long advocated for compensating domestic work to create financial independence and social recognition for caregivers. The exclusion of unpaid domestic labor from GDP calculations distorts our understanding of economic productivity. Recognizing this labor would not only provide a more accurate picture of global economies but also advance gender equality. But beyond economics, this is about dignity. It’s about ensuring that the hands that raise children, care for the elderly, and sustain households are not left unseen and unpaid. The moment a woman enters the workforce, she challenges the status quo. She becomes competition. She threatens the deeply entrenched economic advantage that men have historically held. By keeping women engaged in unpaid labor, society ensures they remain dependent, their ambitions curtailed, their financial independence stifled. The economic system thrives on this silent, unpaid workforce, and its invisibility is by design. Global Initiatives andtheNeedfor PolicyReform lSome countries have started recognizing unpaid labor in economic metrics. The United States Bureau of Economic Analysis found that including unpaid domestic work would have increased U.S. GDP by 26% in 2010. New Zealand and Canada have incorporated unpaid labor into national statistics. Scotland piloted a basic income program for caregivers in 2021, acknowledging their contributions. Sweden’s policies promoting equal parental leave have increased fathers' participation in childcare, helping to narrow the gender labor gap. The International Monetarsy Fund (IMF) suggests that reducing and redistributing unpaid work—through subsidized childcare, paid parental leave, and workplace flexibility— The next time someone argues that domestic work is done "out of love," we must ask: When did love become an excuse for unpaid labor? And when will we finally recognize that care is not just love—it is work, and work deserves to be counted. "They call it love. We call it unpaid labor." – Silvia Federici Page 6 Avarohana Feature Article
Featured Article Page 7 Avarohana References https://www.apec.org/publications/2022/03/unpaid-care-and-domestic-work-countingthe-costs?utm_source=.com https://fredblog.stlouisfed.org/2020/03/calculating-the-value-of-womens-unpaidwork/?utm_source=.com https://www.indiaspend.com/how-unpaid-work-keeps-indias-women-poor-and-unequal https://oxfamilibrary.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/10546/620928/bp-time-tocare-inequality-200120-en.pdf https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167268121004066 https://www.bea.gov/news/blog/2012-06-11/what-value-household-work https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WP/Issues/2019/10/15/Reducing-andRedistributing-Unpaid-Work-Stronger-Policies-to-Support-Gender-Equality-48688
Manufacturing Insecurity, Selling the Curer The commodification of female insecurity is not an accident; it is a well-oiled capitalist machine. The patriarchal order first dictates the standards: smooth, hairless skin, an hourglass figure, a “fair” complexion. ThePinkTax: ACapitalistPenaltyon Femininity 8 BY GAURI YADAV GENDER & SOCIETY CLUSTER, N&D AVROHANA | POLICY COLOUMN Then, capitalism intervenes to offer the solution: razors, epilators, shapewear, bleaching creams and diet pills. Women are taught that these are not mere commodities but necessities. Among the various tools of gender subjugation, the “Pink Tax” stands out as a hidden, systemic surcharge on products marketed to women. This is not just about a price difference between blue and pink razors. It is about an economic structure that ensures women pay more just to exist within the boundaries that patriarchy has set for them. Unlike conventional taxation, which funds public services, the Pink Tax does not even pretend to be for the collective good; it is an insidious form of financial control. The cost of gendered marketing does not just limit purchasing power; it reinforces women's material oppression, making financial independence more difficult. The Illusion of Choice The fundamental deceit of the Pink Tax lies in its illusion of choice. One could argue that women could simply opt for men’s products or unisex alternatives. This phallacy, however, assumes that gendering consumer goods is rational to begin with. How does a razor become male or female? Does a women’s body wash contain estrogen while a men’s contains testosterone? Even biologically, the female body produces testosterone. The reality is that gendered marketing is a manufactured division, designed to extract more from women while ensuring that
Policy Coloumn Page 9 Avarohana nonconformity carries a social price. As MacKinnon argues, there is no ungendered reality or ungendered perspective. Objectivity or a universal standpoint is the mere denial of existence of sex inequality. Refusing to participate in this cycle is not a neutral act; it is a rebellion. A woman who refuses to shave, wear makeup, or dress in socially acceptable femininity faces more than raised eyebrows. She risks professional, social, and even personal penalties. If she embraces femininity, she is financially punished by capitalists; if she rejects it, she is ostracized by patriarchy. Either way, she pays a price. The Economic Barrier to Equality The Pink Tax serves as an economic barrier to female financial autonomy. It is about much more than a few extra rupees on shampoo or razors; it is about a system that ensures women must spend more while earning less. Consider the professional world.The wardrobe of a male CEO, whether it’s Mark Zuckerberg’s hoodie or Bill Gates’ unremarkable suits, exudes effortless wealth. Meanwhile, a female CEO, such as Michele G. Buck or Gina R. Boswell, is expected to spend extensively on professional attire, makeup, and hairstyling to be taken seriously. She cannot simply show up in a hoodie; respectability for her is an expense, not a given. This is gendered consumerism at its core: step out of line, and you are either monstrous or pitiful. Either way, you are punished. The Pink Tax is not just financial; it is a cultural levy on femininity, ensuring that women remain trapped in a system that profits from their oppression. "You’re Worth It" : The Cost of Femininity The Pink Tax extends beyond tangible goods into a cultural and psychological burden. This is illustrated by L’Oréal’s famous tagline: “Because You’re Worth It.” On the surface, it appears empowering, urging women to indulge in self-care. But beneath the gloss of empowerment lies coercion. Women are made to believe that their self-worth is tied to their spending. Femininity is framed as a luxury that must be earned through consumption. This marketing strategy is not accidental; it enforces the idea that attractiveness is a woman’s responsibility, not a preference. If she opts out, she is labeled unprofessional, unkempt, or undesirable. Meanwhile, men’s products are marketed as functional and efficient, necessities rather than indulgences. Women are taught that self-care is an investment, while men’s personal maintenance is an afterthought.
Page 10 Avarohana From a feminist Marxist perspective, the Pink Tax is not an incidental flaw of capitalism, it is a deliberate feature. Capitalism thrives on creating artificial needs, and patriarchy ensures that these needs are gendered. The female body is commodified, and femininity is monetized. Women are not just unpaid laborers in the domestic sphere; they are also overcharged consumers in the public one. Marxist theories often overlook this dual burden, ignoring the gendered dynamics of labor and consumption. MacKinnon argues that this exclusion weakens Marxist analysis. She calls for a revision that includes women’s unpaid domestic work and acknowledges how its absence distorts the understanding of economic totality. This dual exploitation ensures that women remain economically disadvantaged, constantly funneled into cycles of spending that prevent wealth accumulation. The Pink Tax is, therefore, not just an inconvenience, it is a mechanism of control. By ensuring that women must spend more for the same quality of life, capitalism reinforces gender inequality under the guise of market forces. TheWedding Industry:A Masterclass inGenderedPricing No industry exemplifies the Pink Tax more blatantly than the wedding industry. A simple white dress becomes a “wedding dress” and instantly triples in price. Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi lehengas go upto crores. Further, beauty appointments, bridal showers, and bachelorette parties are marketed as once-in-a-lifetime experiences, ensuring that women feel obligated to overspend. A wedding is transformed from a ceremony into an economic performance, where women’s financial contributions far outweigh those of men. Meanwhile, grooms face no such expectations. A rented tuxedo, a simple sherwani and a basic haircut suffice. The disparity is so ingrained that it is no longer questioned. Weddings, rather than marking a moment of equality, become the first step in a lifetime of gendered financial obligations. Policy Column Reworking Marxist Theories
Policy Column Page 11 Avarohana Conclusion The Pink Tax is not just an economic strategy; it is a form of social discipline. It ensures that women remain financially burdened while being held to higher standards. It punishes them for stepping outside patriarchal norms while profiting from their compliance. Whether through daily consumer goods, workplace expectations, or milestone events like weddings, women are charged simply for existing in a gendered world. The answer to the Pink Tax is not as simple as buying men’s products or demanding price reductions. It requires a fundamental reckoning with the waycapitalism exploits gender. To dismantle the Pink Tax is to challenge the system that necessitates it. It is to question why femininity must always come at a cost, and who profits from ensuring that it does. The price of being a woman is not just financial; it is systemic, cultural, and deeply political. And until we confront that truth, the Pink Tax will remain a toll on the road to equality. References Mackenzie Lafferty, The Pink Tax: The Persistence of Gender Price Disparity, Monmouth College (2019), https://research.monm.edu/mjur/ 5/03/2025 Hajar Habal, An Economic Analysis of the Pink Tax, Core (2020), https://core.ac.uk/ 5/03/2025. Martin, Emily. “The Egg and the Sperm: How Science Has Constructed a Romance Based on Stereotypical Male-Female Roles.” Signs, vol. 16, no. 3, 1991, pp. 485–501. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3174586. 5/03/2025. MacKinnon, Catharine A. “Feminism, Marxism, Method, and the State: Toward Feminist Jurisprudence.” Signs, vol. 8, no. 4, 1983, pp. 635–58. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3173687. 05/03/2025. L’Oréal Paris USA, The History of “Because You’re Worth It”, YouTube (2013), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6DHRFuCEwA 06/03/2025.
March 6, 2025, the Jindal School of Banking and Finance held a thought-provoking symposium to tackle a question that often lingers unspoken: Is ambition gendered? The discussion wasn’t just about theory-it was personal. It was about real people navigating their careers, their dreams, and the invisible forces that shape them. To get to the heart of the issue, participants were asked multiple open-ended questions, some of which being: What is your career ambition? What challenges do you face in pursuing it? Do you think gender plays a role in shaping these obstacles? How has your ambition evolved over time? Do you feel pressure to limit your ambition? If so, why? IsAmbitionGendered? 12 COVERED BY ANANIA DISCUSSION ON-CAMPUS “Ambition Is a Battleground” The Role Model Gap One undeniable takeaway? The power of role models. We often become what we see. But what happens when what we see is overwhelmingly male? While young men surveyed could name a male CEO they admired, but it wasn’t the same as the young women could not name a female CEO without Googling it. This visibility gap is massive and has real consequencesstudies show that middle school girls exposed to female STEM leaders are more likely to consider a career in science. Yet, we still see women making up only 28% of the STEM workforce globally. The Ambition Double Standard A consistent theme in the discussion was the way society frames ambition. When men are assertive, they’re seen as strong leaders. When women are, they’re often labeled as aggressive or difficult. A Harvard Business Review study found that women receive 22% more negative performance feedback than men, and much of it is centered on personality rather than skills or results. This isn’t just anecdotal-it’s systemic.
Discussion On-Campus Page 13 Avarohana Failure: A Luxury Not Afforded to All One of the most eye-opening moments of the symposium came when participants discussed the fear of failure. Men are more likely to take big career risks because they see failure as part of the process. Women, on the other hand, often fear failure not just for themselves, but for how it might reflect on their entire gender. Research backs this up: a systematic review highlighted that impostor syndrome is more prevalent among women, (though the magnitude of this difference can vary across studies), which makes them less likely to put themselves forward for promotions. Women in Leadership: A Numbers Game Yes, progress has been made, but let’s be clear: As of 2024, women held 10.4% of CEO positions in Fortune 500 companies, totaling 52 female CEOs. In 2024. Meanwhile, women hold 43.4% of board seats in FTSE 350 companies but remain severely underrepresented at the very top. What’s stopping them? One answer might lie in the fact that men are 70% more likely to have a sponsor (a senior advocate within their company) than women. Where Do We Go from Here? The discussion wasn’t just about diagnosing the problem-it was about finding real solutions. Here’s what needs to change: Visibility of Female Leaders: More women in leadership need to be seen, heard, and celebrated, so young girls know these roles aren’t just possible-they’re expected. Changing the Narrative: Society needs to stop punishing women for being ambitious. Full stop. Policy Interventions: Governments and companies must address structural barriers-like affordable childcare, equal parental leave, and flexible work options. Mentorship & Sponsorship Programs: Women don’t just need mentors; they need sponsorspeople in power who actively advocate for their careers. Final Thoughts: Ambition Shouldn’t Be a Gendered Word The symposium closed on a powerful note: ambition is not a dirty word, nor should it be a gendered one. But right now, the playing field isn’t equal. The good news? Awareness is the first step to change. And change is long overdue.
Featured Article Page 14 Avarohana References https://uis.unesco.org/en/topic/women-science https://professionalprograms.mit.edu/blog/leadership/the-gender-gap-in-stem/ https://hbr.org/2024/11/high-performers-need-feedback-too https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/202408/the-genderdivide-in-imposter-syndrome?utm_source=.com https://fortune.com/2024/06/04/fortune-500-companies-women-ceos-2024/? utm_source=.com https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/feb/25/women-hold-almost-45-of-seatson-ftse-100-boards-report-says?utm_source=.com https://www.ft.com/content/026084c6-da2a-4540-94c2-1becc136e713? utm_source=.com
In conversation with Shivali Yadav, Meher Biswas, & Aanchal Megan Menezes- click here to listen to the whole podcast Women as symbols for Nationalism In this thought-provoking episode, Shivali Yadav is joined by Meher Biswas and Aanchal Megan Menezes to discuss the complex intersection of gender and nationalism. The conversation traces how nationalist movements across the world have historically feminized their nations—think "Bharat Mata" in India or Marianne in France—using maternal imagery to evoke emotional patriotism and justify sacrifice. The discussion also explores the phrase “our women,” often wielded in nationalist rhetoric to reinforce patriarchal control. Women are positioned as symbols of honor, purity, and community pride, making them both revered and restricted figures. This is evident in historical events like the Partition of India, where women were often treated as property and their bodies as battlegrounds for communal identity. The episode further expands on how gendered language in global politics shapes power dynamics. The hosts analyze how dominant nations portray weaker states using feminized, passive descriptors to justify intervention—whether in colonial history, military conflicts, or economic policies. They emphasize that this framing isn’t just metaphorical but a mechanism of power, reinforcing stereotypes that strip autonomy from both women and weaker nations. Join us for a nuanced discussion that questions these deep-rooted narratives and considers how dismantling gendered nationalism can pave the way for a more equitable discourse in politics and society. Podcast Series 15
Page 16 Avarohana 01. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe Chinua Achebe’s seminal work, Things Fall Apart, is a profound exploration of colonialism, tradition, and change in Igbo society. While often celebrated for its critique of colonialism, the novel also offers a nuanced portrayal of gender dynamics and economic structures within pre-colonial and colonial Nigeria. The protagonist, Okonkwo, embodies hypermasculinity, driven by a fear of weakness and failure, which shapes his interactions with women and his community. Achebe subtly critiques this rigid gender hierarchy, highlighting the strength and resilience of female characters like Ekwefi and Ezinma, who navigate a patriarchal system with quiet agency. The book also delves into the economic and legal systems of the Igbo people, showcasing their complexity and sophistication before colonial disruption. Achebe’s portrayal of the intersection of gender, tradition, and economics invites readers to reflect on how colonialism not only imposed foreign rule but also eroded indigenous systems that, while imperfect, were deeply rooted in community and balance. Things Fall Apart is a heartwarming yet sobering reminder of the importance of preserving cultural identity while critically examining its flaws. It remains a timeless work for understanding the intersections of gender, law, and economics in a global context. Avarohana's Must Reads Suhani Sharma
Page 17 Avarohana 02. Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall This retelling of the Indian epic Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perspective is a stunning narrative from the Indian subcontinent. Divakaruni reimagines Draupadi not just as a queen or a wife but as a woman with agency, desires, and struggles. The book delves into themes of gender, power, and resilience, offering a fresh lens on a familiar story. It’s a thoughtprovoking exploration of how women navigate patriarchal structures, making it deeply relevant to discussions on gender and culture. The intersectional lens highlights how caste, gender, and power dynamics intertwine in complex ways. 03. The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Kendall’s book is a powerful critique of mainstream feminism, which often overlooks the struggles of marginalised women. She argues that feminism must address issues like food insecurity, housing, and violence—problems that disproportionately affect women of colour and those from low-income backgrounds. Through personal stories and sharp analysis, Kendall challenges readers to adopt a more inclusive and intersectional approach to feminism. The book is both eye-opening and heartwarming, as it centers the voices of those often excluded from feminist discourse, making it essential reading for anyone committed to gender justice.
Page 18 Avarohana Prabhroop Kaur Women’s Rights are Increasingly Under Attack, Says UN Report India’s Union Budget 2025-26 marks 20 years of gender budgeting, with a record ₹4.5 lakh crore allocation, nearly 9% of total expenditure. The government has set an ambitious target of 70% female workforce participation by 2047, as women’s labour force participation has risen to 41% in 2023-24. However, much of this increase comes from rural women in low-paying agricultural jobs, raising concerns about employment quality and gender wage gaps. The budget boosts support for women entrepreneurs with new loan schemes and increased funding for rural livelihoods. For the first time, gender-focused allocations extend to non-traditional sectors like tourism and maritime industries. To achieve 75% workforce participation by 2047, India must prioritize childcare infrastructure, digital upskilling, and safer public spaces for women. https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-insight/economy/how-does-budget-2025-support-women-seconomic-empowerment-101738846986471.html Despite having adopted a historic blueprint to achieve gender equality over 30 years ago, a recent UN report has highlighted that gender discrimination remains deeply entrenched in economies and societies, and women’s rights remain under attack. It found that nearly onefourth of all governments admitted to facing backlash over women’s rights last year. While progress has been made, such as in girls’ education and access to family planning, violence against women has been rising. The report called for investments in social protections such as universal health care, and a digital revolution to provide women equal access to technology. Equal decision-making power for women, along with gender-responsive humanitarian aid was also promoted. https://apnews.com/article/un-women-girls-equality-beijing-conference-rightsb009715ff605ccf47f1b72865c7a27e7 NEWS BITS Shivali Yadav India Commits to 75% Female Workforce Participation by 2047
Page 19 Avarohana For the first time in UK history, female doctors now outnumber their male counterparts, marking a significant milestone in a traditionally male-dominated profession. As of February 28, women make up 50.04% of the medical workforce, compared to 49.96% men. While female doctors dominate fields like obstetrics, paediatrics, and general practice, they remain underrepresented in surgery and emergency medicine. Despite this progress, challenges persist, including gender pay gaps, sexual harassment, and inflexible work policies. A survey found that four in five female doctors had experienced workplace harassment. Experts emphasize the need for proactive measures to ensure equal career progression, better work-life balance, and a safer work environment for women in medicine. Additionally, the UK now has more ethnic minority doctors than white ones, with a sharp increase in professionals from India, Pakistan, Egypt, and Nigeria since Brexit. Experts call for further inclusivity across medical specializations. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/06/female-doctors-outnumber-malepeers-in-uk-for-first-time The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe recently launched an initiative to ensure that all human beings are appropriately represented in the process to form standards that affect them. They have identified the issue in developing a functional gender action plan and rolling it out. The main actors in the quality infrastructure for trade were brought together to outline the work, assess the international progress, and explore how other bodies can be involved in this process. The project was launched in Tbilisi, Georgia. https://unece.org/trade/events/wp6-conference-20-21Feb2025-Tbilisi Female Doctors Outnumber their Male Counterparts for the First Time in UK UNECE Launches Project to Integrate Gender Considerations into Quality Standards
TATE STORY PLAYER: ART AND CULTURE Museums Without Men – Tate Britain with Katy Hessel Museums Without Men – Tate Britain with Katy Hessel reexamines Tate Britain’s collection through a feminist lens. Art historian Katy Hessel highlights overlooked female artists, challenging traditional narratives. She sheds light on their contributions, advocating for a more inclusive art history. To know more tune to: https://www.tate.org.uk/storyplayer/museums-without-mentate-britain Kudzanai-Violet Hwami, Expiation, 2021 Kudzanai-Violet Hwami’s Expiation (2021) is a powerful exploration of identity, memory, and spirituality. Blending vibrant colors and layered imagery, Hwami reflects on personal and cultural histories. The work evokes introspection, addressing themes of healing and selfdiscovery. page 20 Suhani Sharma ARTWORK
Page 21 Avarohana Cross Send your entries at swabhimaan.cnes@gmail.com Get featured on our next issue! Clue: first names only word
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