Family Expectations and Limitations
Have you ever felt the pressure to make your family proud while also wanting to follow your own path? For many people, that tension is very real. Familial expectations can strongly influence our decisions, sometimes in ways that conflict with our personal dreams. For example, someone might want to pursue engineering, but her parents insist that nursing would be a more “suitable” career. From a young age, many girls are taught domestic responsibilities like cooking and cleanin
Nivethashree Alagappan
3 min read
Breaking Stereotypes in Careers
Many stereotypes quietly box people in before they even realize it — and one of the most limiting areas is careers. Society often suggests that certain roles are not “meant” for women, but these assumptions are rooted more in tradition than in truth. You may have heard someone say, “That’s not really a girl’s job,” even as countless women continue to prove otherwise. So why does society cling to outdated ideas instead of accepting reality? Careers should not come with gender
Nivethashree Alagappan
2 min read
The Legacy of Her Last Name
A surname might seem like a small detail, but historically it has carried enormous legal, cultural, and personal weight. Across centuries, a woman’s last name was tied to her identity, autonomy, and even her legal status. Early Legal Foundations: Coverture (12th to 19th Century) The tradition of women taking their husband’s surname in Western countries can be traced back to the legal doctrine of coverture. This concept began forming in England during the 12th and 13th centuri
Shirin Kohli
3 min read
Why Saying "No" is a Form of Self-Respect
In today’s society, women often feel pressured to say yes — mainly to avoid disappointing others. In many cultures around the world, women are taught from a young age to be accommodating, nurturing, and agreeable. They’re often told that saying yes keeps the peace and makes them more “likeable.” But saying no is not selfish. It is an act of self-respect and empowerment. Boundaries Saying no allows women to set healthy boundaries. It protects their time, energy, and emotional
Nivethashree Alagappan
3 min read
How Period Poverty Affects Education for Girls
Access to menstrual products and proper menstrual health education is essential for the well-being and empowerment of girls. Yet, around the world, millions of girls face period poverty, the lack of access to sanitary products, hygiene facilities, and education about menstruation. This silent barrier has far-reaching consequences, particularly on education, limiting opportunities for girls and perpetuating cycles of inequality. Kirkon Ulkomaanapu (Finn Church Aid) A menstrual
Ishanvi Sabniveesu
2 min read
