Anita Gupta: The Woman Moved by The Indian Patriarchal System

Vividly exposed to the dynamics of a stereotypical Indian Society at the age of 10, Anita Gupta, felt the overriding drive for change. The stereotypes the Indian society has so effectively given rise to work in alliance with the overpowering notion of patriarchy to obstruct development. More than the stereotypes themselves, the fear cultural norms have embedded in the minds of woman restricts not only opposition, but even the idea of initiating a viewpoint itself.

Belonging to a family dynamic in which the current entrepreneur was exposed to various vulnerabilities, Anita Gupta was indeed an anomaly. Physically witnessing her own grandfather abuse, a, “bought,” young girl without mercy, Anita’s childhood was disfigured. Not only was domestic abuse portrayed in an acceptable manner, but Anita witnessed the lack of education and the fervent influence of class structure.

With solely a, “what if she was educated and aware of her rights,” bewildered thought, Anita took upon the notion of advocating for change. Bhojpur Mahila Kala Kendra was established with the sole mission to generalize empowerment. Primarily aiming to raise awareness, Anita and her brother preached female independence by establishing a sense of detachment from the given patriarchy that still disturbs many. The greatest challenge Anita faced, possibly the most devastating impact of this long-drawn patriarchy, was to bring woman out of a zone that was strictly limited to the idea of women solely as wives. The entrepreneur faced immeasurable backlash at the initial stages of her journey. Immeasurable to a point in time in which the men of the house would merely let the woman interact with any agent of change. “Our women will not remove their veil.” With an overriding superiority complex, the patriarchs were oblivious to the idea of individuality.

With around 200 women in its cluster, the organization has provided effective training to morally and financially support around 20,000 women in order to develop skill sets that bring these women a step closer to equality. With its greatest issue lying within the notion of established opinions, patriarchy predominantly takes over a world that is already seen to be male driven. Though gradually progressing, the Indian society is encouraged to advocate and advance towards a world that begins with educating a woman. Educating a woman is educating a family. Educating a family is educating a community and this community is one that will defy societal ideals creating a world of equality.