Sonali Kulkarni, a renowned Indian actress, recently made a statement that has left many people thinking. In a video that has since gone viral, she emphasized the need for girls to wake up from their dollhouse dreams to the realities of life.
She urged them to stop focusing solely on the amount of money their potential husbands or boyfriends earn, and instead chip in their share in the family expenses. She further stated that having a degree or high education does not guarantee a comfortable life with a wealthy husband.
Though this is a generalisation and there surely are exceptions, this statement by Sonali Kulkarni has brought to the forefront an issue that has long been ignored in Indian society. The obsession with finding a rich partner, regardless of whether or not they are compatible, has been normalized in our culture. The pressure to conform to societal norms is so great that many girls feel that their worth is defined by the amount of money their partners make.
But why is this trend becoming so prevalent in India? Is it a domino effect of male centrism that has been prevalent in our society for far too long? Are women trying to teach men a lesson by now expecting them to provide for everything? Or are we just being lazy and entitled?
One of the most important things that growing up girls should learn is the importance of cohabitation and coexistence. Marriage is not just about finding a provider; it’s about finding a partner with whom you can build a life together. It is a boat that needs two people to row, not one man doing all the rowing while the other sits back and enjoys the ride. Families of growing children can inculcate in them to understand of the importance of co-existence and financial freedom when they grow up:
i. Teach them the value of financial independence: From a young age, girls should be taught the importance of financial independence. They should be encouraged to pursue education and careers that interest
them and help them become financially stable.
ii. Show them the importance of teamwork: Girls should be taught the importance of teamwork and how working together with their family members can lead to better outcomes. They should be encouraged to contribute to household chores and work together with their siblings to achieve common goals.
iii. Instill a sense of responsibility: Girls should be taught to take responsibility for their actions and decisions. They should be taught that every decision they make has consequences, and they should be willing to accept them.
iv. Teach them to be assertive: They should be taught to be assertive and confident in their abilities. They should be taught to speak up for
themselves and to stand up for what they believe in.
v. Encourage them to pursue their interests: They should be encouraged to pursue their interests and hobbies, whether they are traditionally considered feminine or masculine. They should be taught that their
interests and skills are valuable and can lead to successful careers.
vi. Teach them to be financially responsible: Girls should be taught the importance of managing their finances and making smart financial decisions. They should be taught to save money, invest wisely, and avoid unnecessary debt.
vii. Show them examples of successful women: Girls should be exposed to examples of successful women who have achieved financial independence and have made a positive impact in their communities. This can help them realize that success is achievable and that they too
can make a difference.
These learnings are not limited to girls alone but are true for boys too. Kalpana Saroj: Born in Akola in Maharashtra, Kalpana Saroj of Kamani Tubes faced numerous challenges in her early life. However, she did not let her circumstances define her. She worked hard and became a successful entrepreneur, owning several businesses across India. She is now a role model
for young girls and women, showing them that hard work and determination can lead to success.
Malavika Krishna: After the tragic suicide of her husband, she took charge of the beleaguered Café Coffee Day. She was determined to turn things around. One of the first things she did was focus on the company’s core business, which was coffee. She streamlined the operations of the cafes and ensured that the
coffee served was of the highest quality. She also launched several new coffee blends and flavors, which helped to attract new customers.
Falguni Nayar, the founder, and CEO of Nykaa started her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 50 and is now a force to be reckoned with in the beauty industry. She has become one of the richest self-made women in India.
These women are just a few examples of Indian women who have demonstrated the importance of co-existence and financial freedom. They have overcome obstacles and achieved success, inspiring others to do the same. Though, not all men suffer from this, just as not all women bask in bliss; learning to value each other is the key to a successful life together. But the focus of this write-up is women. In conclusion, it’s time for women to step up and show their strength. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.” Let”s not wait for the water to boil, but instead, let’s make our own heat and show the world what we’re made of. Together, with a balance of give and take, we can
row the boat of life and create a better future for ourselves and those around us.