Indian Mythology's Voices of Women and the Fight against Gender-Based Violence in Contemporary Society

Author(s): Shweta Sharma

Abstract:

A collection of mythical tales, particularly those originating from a specific religious or cultural tradition, is called mythology. It represents a society's conventions, traditions, and beliefs. From the earliest tales to the present, women have been recognized as powerful forces with an inherent ability to change lives and push limits. Indian mythology contains examples of discrimination against and marginalization of women. Gender norms and stereotypes are sometimes reinforced by stories that show women as less valuable than men. Women face prejudice in the modern world in many different contexts, such as social standing, employment, and education. The constraints and patriarchal norms imposed on women are often reflected in Indian mythology. Stories such as the Ramayana's Devi Sita exile and the Mahabharata's Swayamvara of Draupadi have undermined women's agency and autonomy. The independence, alternatives, and opportunities given to women are restricted by patriarchal standards and behaviors that persist in today's culture. Occasionally, violent and exploitative behaviors against women are depicted in mythological legends. Examples of women's vulnerability are terrible, such as when Draupadi is stripped naked in the Mahabharata and when Ravana kidnaps Sita. In today's society, women continue to face numerous forms of violence, including sexual harassment, domestic abuse, and crimes committed with their gender as the motivation.

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Pages: 26-28     |    2 View     |    0 Download