In the past, villages used to be strongholds of patriarchal dominance, where women had little to no opportunity to express themselves. Over time, however, things began to change. For instance, while women were once denied access to education, this started to shift as society became more rational and progressive in its thinking.

In the modern context, significant progress has been made. There was a time when no woman in our area earned her own livelihood. All women were financially dependent on their husbands, and even when they contributed through domestic or agricultural labor, their work was neither recognized nor compensated. But today, feminist movements have played a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights, enabling women to raise their voices and assert their presence.
Take the example of my own village: there was a time when women relied entirely on their husbands, fathers, or brothers. But gradually, a new group of women emerged, bringing with them fresh ideas and techniques that helped other women rediscover their voices, which had long been suppressed.
However, this isn’t the experience of every woman. Some women, although still financially dependent on their husbands, freely express their views without fear. They believe that independence isn’t always a prerequisite for asserting one’s rights. Many say they have never felt dominated by their husbands and, in fact, they often exert agency in their households. These women choose not to work outside because they find fulfillment in managing their families. They see themselves as the backbone of the household, especially in the absence of their husbands, and willingly perform agricultural tasks like sowing, irrigation, weeding, and harvesting.
Today, many women are engaged in activities such as shawl weaving and sewing. Interestingly, a growing number of educated girls are also involved in these traditional crafts, balancing financial independence with cultural roots and asserting their identities. This marks a new wave of feminism—one that is transforming rural spaces. Women are recognizing the importance of independence, of speaking up, and of participating in decision-making.

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