Watch: How Is Womanhood Evolving? 3 Generations Bridge Perspectives

How do you define womanhood today? Is it a bold assertion of independence? Or perhaps a dance between strength and freedom in vulnerability? Whatever your definition may be, it is undoubtedly shaped by the voices of our foremothers, who each added unique shades to the colours of feminine power that we experience today. To unravel this, and more, three generations of women convened to share their thoughts on this ever-evolving canvas. Gangubai Biradar, Latika Shete, and Priyanka Kore, three women with vastly different experiences bonded over the common thread of womanhood.

Biradar, the grandmother-in-law; Shete, the mother-in-law; and Kore, the daughter-in-law, opened up about the distinct struggles and strengths of living as a woman in their different eras. Despite the generational gap, the trio exchanged a deep sense of understanding and bonded over the challenges that remain universal.

What Does Growing Up As A Woman Mean?

The speakers kickstarted the conversation by sharing their childhood experiences and opening up about the intricacies of gender roles in their respective eras. "My father was a farmer and we did not have many medical facilities or schooling," said Biradar, who grew up in the 1920s in a small village called Chamarga in Maharashtra. 

Describing the role of women in that era, she shared, "Most of us did not know how to read and write. We spent most of our lives unable to understand even a single story or poetry. Our lives felt meaningless and vacant. So when we had our children, we made sure they get formally educated."

Following Biradar, Shete, who grew up in Maharashtra's Walandi in the 1960s shared, "Growing up in a village, we had to struggle for basic facilities. We used a kerosene lamp to study and I completed my education till Class 10. Anytime a woman from the city came to our village, I used to admire how well-educated she must be."

The 64-year-old continued, "I always wished I could study beyond Class 10 and have the chance to work and make my own money but since we did not have those privileges, I could not follow those dreams for the longest time. After my marriage at the age of 18, I moved to Pune and finally got the chance to pursue a career in tailoring."

Marriage & Kids - The Ultimate Goal?

The trio then engaged in an interesting discussion about the gender roles of a woman in marriage. Priyanka Kore shared her thoughts as a 21st-century woman. "In my opinion, marriage is just a part of our lives. The choice to marry and have children is individualistic and does not define a woman," she said.

She continued, "My mother gave me the example of Lata Mangeshkar, who did not live her life conventionally by getting married and having children, yet, the nation loved her wholeheartedly. Even if she does not belong to the same generation as me, many women today relate to that. No person's identity changes according to their marital status."

However, Kore's mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law begged to differ. Biradar expressed, "We, from the older generation, believe that getting married and having children is important as they build social connections and make life fulfilled." Agreeing with her, Shete stated, "Everyone has the right to live their life how they want to, but making a family is a societal responsibility."

However, Shete acknowledged the struggles of being a woman in marriage. "It is a woman's responsibility to be a selfless companion to their better half and raise children. Building trust, making sacrifices, inculcating discipline and understanding in our children, and keeping relationships nourished are a challenge," she explained. 

Despite the vast spectrum of opinions, the trio exemplified determination to see the future generation of women thrive. From Biradar's perseverance amid limited opportunities to Shete's aspirations for independence, and finally, Kore's assertion of individual autonomy, each voice adds depth to the ongoing narrative of feminine identity.

The story is in collaboration with Vichaar Vibes