Haq K Liye Lado: 12 Things Parents Should Tell Their Daughters

As soon as a daughter is born our society confines her within the proverbial Lakshaman Rekha. Her future is weaved in terms of being a paraya dhan that has to be sent off to her "real home". But why not change the narrative and empower them so that they don't have to depend on anyone? They make their own home where ever they decide to live.

It is undeniable that parents' words and actions have a strong impact on their children’s lives. So when parents say empowering things to their daughters, it helps them to raise an empowered woman.

Strong Daughters: Here are 12 things that every parent should tell their daughters

1. Haq k liye lado (Fight for your rights)

The first thing every parent must tell their daughter is to fight for her rights. Parents must educate their daughters that as per the constitution everyone has equal rights and there is no discrimination based on a person's gender.

2. Kabhi kisi k saamne zhukna nhi (Never bow down before anyone)

Every woman should be made confident enough to not settle for anyone or anything less than they expected. They should not feel weak and powerless before anyone.

3. Tum kisi se kam nhi (You are not inferior to anyone)

In a society where women are always reminded about their inferior status compared to men, every daughter must be taught about gender equality.

4. Tumhe sapne dekhne ka aur unhe pura karne ka haq hai (It is your right to dream big and make them real)

In our society, women are rarely allowed to dream big and work towards making it come true. A woman’s life is always controlled by the people around her. They are the ones who decide what is good and bad for her. So, to fight this conception, every woman must be encouraged to dream big and leave no stone unturned in fulfilling it.

5. Tumhari shaadi tumhare choice se hogi (You should marry as per your choice o time or groom)

Many women succumb to the family's pressure of getting married and walk out of their dream to stand on their own feet. They assume marriage as their destiny. But dear parents, introduce marriage to your daughters as a choice.

6. Shaadi zaroorat nhi ikchha hai (Marriage is not a need but a desire or choice)

Teach your daughters that marriage is just an choice in life. Don’t make &t=3s">marriage the only marker of success in your daughters’ lives. Let them prosper and then decide whether marriage fits into the picture or not.

7. Kabhi kisi se darna nhi (Don’t be afraid of anyone)

To not be afraid of anyone is the most basic and most important lesson that every woman must learn. Women should not consider themselves inferior because of their gender.

8. Awaaz uthane se kabhi peeche nhi hatna (Raise voice without any hesitation)

Always encourage your daughters to speak her mind. Never make them hold back things that they want to say or need answers for. This will make women confident.

9. Padhai or job tumhare mukhya zimmedaria hai (Education and employment are your primary responsibilities)

In our society, women are told that handling the kitchen and being a good daughter, wife and bahu are their primary responsibilities. They are never told that individual freedom is also their responsibility. So dear parents teach your daughters to value themselves first. Teach them to empower themselves first and then think about helping others.

10. Maa Baap ka khyal rakhne pura adhikar hai (You have the right to take care of your parents)

In our society, the right to stay with and take care of parents is considered a son’s responsibility. Daughters are expected to take care of their marital family and break ties with their parental family after marriage. But dear parents don’t let your daughters internalise this. Don’t take away the right to be attached to their parental homes and to their parents throughout their lives.

11. Ghar k hisse mein tumhara barabar ka haq hai (You are an equal inheritor of family properties)

Earlier only sons were assumed to be the sole inheritors of family properties. But after the new judgement, daughters too are now equal inheritors of family property. So dear parents it is your responsibility to teach your daughters about this right and give them the freedom to understand family business and handle it.

12. Agar galati ho toh usko maano, nhi ho toh nyay k liye lado (Own up to your mistakes or fight for justice)

Owning up to one’s mistake is a common moral lesson that every person must know, irrespective of gender. But yes, if a woman is not at fault and is still being blamed, they should not bear it silently Parents must teach their daughters to speak up and fight for justice if they are being blamed arbitrarily.

Views expressed are the author's own.