Page 133 - Sanidhya 2025

Take a Reality Check Dear

Ladies……

According to the World Bank’s Population Indicators, women make up 48.44% of India’s
population in 2024—almost half the nation. But here’s the question: Is this half of the
population truly equipped with the knowledge and skills to shape their own futures? Or are
many still living with inherited mindsets that leave them dependent on their spouses or
male family members for crucial decisions?

Indian society is still rooted in a She checked prices online, asked pay the electricity bill online.
patriarchal structure. In countless about energy ratings, and even Financial literacy could have
homes, girls are taught to manage negotiated a discount. That spared her that ordeal.
household chores while boys are experience stayed with her, and Every girl should know how to
sent outside to handle banking, today she manages her hostel’s open and operate a bank account,
shopping, and other “worldly” shared expenses with ease. transfer money digitally, and
matters. While there is dignity in Girls must also know that house- understand investment options
every kind of work, this early hold responsibilities are shared like fixed deposits, mutual funds,
division of roles often leaves girls responsibilities. I know of a couple and insurance. This isn’t just about
less exposed to the practical in my neighbourhood where the money—it’s about security,
realities beyond their doorstep. husband and wife divide cooking, dignity, and independence.
I still remember visiting a family laundry, and cleaning equally.
friend’s home where their teenage Their daughter has grown up Driving: A skill for freedom
daughter was comfortably doing seeing both parents handle and safety
household chores but was chores—and now she automati-
hesitant to move out to purchase cally expects equality in her own Learning to drive is more than just
goods. Her brother, younger by relationships. This kind of environ- a convenience—it’s a life skill that
three years, was already confident ment teaches girls not to sacrifice can bring independence, safety,
in bargaining for the family’s their mental and physical health in and confidence. A woman who
groceries. It wasn’t about ability— the name of “perfect woman- can drive is never at the mercy of
it was about opportunity. hood.” someone else’s schedule. She can
get to work on her own terms,
Equal exposure to life skills Financial literacy: A Neces- rush a family member to the
sary skill hospital in an emergency, or
One simple way to break this cycle simply enjoy the freedom of
is to involve girls in everyday It’s often that the women are left travelling without depending on
decisions outside the home. Take out of financial decisions or they others.
them along when buying a find difficulty in understanding the
household appliance. Let them finances, so they leave the I remember a friend, Ruchi, whose
compare brands, understand decisions to their male family father taught her to drive at a very
warranties, and ask the shopkeep- members. I recall meeting a young age. One night, when her
er questions. I once saw a 15-year- widow, Suman, who struggled for father fell ill suddenly, she was
old girl, Aanya, confidently months after her husband’s death able to drive him to the hospital
compare washing machines at an because she didn’t know how to without wasting precious minutes
electronics store for her mother. access his bank accounts or even waiting for a cab. The women