Women’s rights have come a long way, but there is still a lot of work to be done in achieving gender equality. Across the world, women face various forms of discrimination, including unequal pay, limited access to education and healthcare, and violence. Examining the state of women’s rights around the world reveals that there are still significant gaps in gender equality.
In many countries, women still earn less than men for doing the same job. According to the World Economic Forum, women worldwide earn just 63% of what men do, and at the current rate, it will take another 100 years to close the global gender pay gap. This inequality is particularly acute in developing countries, where women are more likely to be in low-paying jobs and lack legal protections against gender-based pay discrimination.
There are also certain professions that have remained stereotypically privy to only men, making it unthinkable for women to enter those professions as well.
Despite all this, women are always striving to break stereotypes. By not only making their mark in business roles but also setting their foot into such stereotypically male-specific professions, these women have been the beacon of change, changing society one cup of chai at a time.
Swargandhar Dhol Tasha Pathak — Female dhol musicians
Although music is not dissociated from women in general, playing the dhol and such percussion instruments most definitely is. For as long as anyone can remember, dhols in Ganesh Chaturthi and Dussehra have been played by men, making it unthinkable for women to carry such heavy instruments and create beats for us to sway to. But the Swargandhar Dhol Tasha Pathak has changed it all, being a female-only dhol group that is already 150 members strong! Donning traditional nauvaris, these women have also set fire to the EAFF in Spain. However, this is not their only profession, as many women bust out these dhol beats after returning from a busy day of work.
Nisha Hussain — Chaiwali
Tea is the spirit of Indian society, and we all have memories of the corner chaiwala whipping up the delicious drink. But Nisha Hussain has broken stereotypes by becoming the most famous chaiwali in Rajkot, serving as many as ten flavours as well! Despite having worked as a computer engineer back in the day, Hussain’s passion for tea could not be hidden behind those screens, ultimately breaking barriers and introducing us to some of the most delicious teas we have ever had! So, the next time you go to Rajkot, do not miss out on some delectable tandoori tea from her tea stall!
Yogita Raghuvanshi — Truck Driver
It is practically impossible for the image of a woman coming up when we think of truck drivers. However, Yogita Raghuvanshi has successfully become a truck driver and the owner of her own transport company! Breaking stereotypes one trip at a time, Raghuvanshi became the company’s owner after her husband’s demise. Knowing that her profession as a lawyer would not be enough to make ends meet, she then took on her husband’s truck business, and she has not looked back since! And what’s more, she prides herself on her cool and composed attitude as an experienced truck driver, breaking the stereotype of truck drivers being rough in attitude and rough in speech. Talk about a winner!
Shubhamastu — Female priests
Another profession that has remained male-centric since centuries ago is that of a priest. Male brahmins prided themselves on their exclusive status in society, and the ladies of Shubhamastu have broken those age-old barriers with elegance. The group, comprising four members, was founded by Dr Nandini Bhowmik, who got started on the journey by officiating her eldest daughter’s marriage. However, it was not without a fair dose of trouble, scrutiny, doubt and assumed incompetence that the group has succeeded in reaching where it is! Now, the group is experienced in officiating marriages and memorials and is noted for making the Sanskrit chants more accessible by translating them with English and Bengalis and even sprinkling in a little Rabindrasangeet.
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Image: Tao Edge
