Ever heard phrases like “women are not as strong as men,” “women are supposed to make less money than men,” and “women don’t play sports?” Of course, you have. Many of us are even guilty of believing and propagating such stereotypical thoughts.
From throwing off the burden of patriarchal mindsets to fighting dating typecasts - modern, independent women are bending unfair generalizations and rules across spectrums.
Here are five power women who would give you some major life goals. Read on.
Geeta Phogat
Resting the cliché that wrestling is for men -- Geeta Phogat was the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify for the Olympics. She, along with her younger sister Babita – the two popularly known as ‘the Phogat sisters’ went on to win gold medals in the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
In a state where girls are not even allowed to be born let alone get into sports, Geeta went on to prove otherwise and created a story of inspiration.
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Malala Yousafzai
Proving “Women don’t need to go to college” wrong – Malala demanded an equal right to education as men and got it.
Malala’s thirst for knowledge forced her to stand against Taliban – the socio-political force that banned girls from attending school. Even after being shot in the head and recovering from coma in England, Malala’s desire to go to school never subsided; it only grew.
The youngest person to receive the Nobel Prize, she has become an international symbol of inspiration, bravery, hope and resistance.
Deepika Padukone
Deepika stepped up to defy the stigma attached to depression and to normalize the opinions around mental illness by sharing her story with the world. For a mainstream star to discuss mental health issues so openly is still rare. And so we are in admiration of Deepika Padukone’s openness about her mental health.
Deepa Malik
Deepa Malik proved that paraplegia cannot paralyze a person’s spirit. Her disability couldn’t hold her from winning a medal at Paralympics in the shotput F-53 event or swimming and biking.
The 45-year-old wheelchair-bound adrenaline junkie from Gurgaon is a mother of two and has embraced life with open arms – she has been a former beauty queen, an accomplished swimmer on the international platform and a biker. Can we ask for anything more than that?
Laxmi
Laxmi proved the adage “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and in the spirit of the fighter.”
Laxmi was all of 15 years when a 32-year-old man, whose advances she had refused, threw acid on her. She survived seven operations and eight years of psychological challenges and got back at life with full vigour. Her campaign to regulate the sale of acid in India and providing affordable treatment to survivors has been pivotal. In fact, she went to walk the ramp for famous Indian fashion brand, thus garnering a lot of awe and inspiration.
All these women and many more have proved it time and again that courage, willpower and Nayi Soch is all that is required to live a fuller life, inspire people, bring about a change in rudimentary mindsets and carve a niche out. Star celebrates this limitless strength of women to overcome hurdles through its new truly inspiring #NayiSoch film. Check it out:
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