Gender Agenda Newsletter: Are you settled?
When I was in school in the 1990s and lived in a neighbourhood of government-job professionals who mostly had two children, it surprised me to see that parents would send their sons to boarding schools in the hills, where the education was believed to be better, but also far more expensive than regular day schools. Their daughters often went to government-run KVs (Kendriya Vidyalayas), where the expectations and the fees were low.
I am not surprised to see that fewer girls than boys are enrolled in private schools even today. The proportion of girls going to private schools was 33%, while that of boys was 39% boys, in 2023-24. Private schools in India still have the image of being better than state-run institutions. Government schools recorded 54% girls and 49% boys.
When girls do get the opportunity to study, they are often subject to all kinds of other social prisons, like being asked to get back to college hostels a couple of hours before the men. Natasha Narwal was known for the Pinjara Tod movement, which took up discriminatory practices in girls' students hostels, 10 years ago. She inspired a nation-wide movement of protests and demands for equality.
At roughly the same time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme focussing on 'challenging mindsets and deep rooted patriarchy in the societal system'. In 2021, a Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women found that the government had spent 80% of the scheme's funds on media campaigns. Over the years, governments have initiated schemes to tackle female foeticide with cash transfers. But money, as they say, cannot buy everything. It can of course buy a 'good boy'.
A girl, and by that corollary a woman, is seen as belonging to the family she will eventually marry into. Large loans must be taken for her wedding, to 'fund' the groom, leading families into deep debt. An unmarried woman in rural India is seen as an aberration; in urban India, she's seen as 'not settled' — her parents must worry about her future, relatives must 'look for a boy' for her. Most people don't see the irony in this — yes, she isn't 'settled' because she didn't settle. And that's cause for cheer.
Toolkit
Dear Ms.: A Revolution in Print is a documentary on Hotstar about the feminist magazine Ms. launched in 1972 in America. The first issue had had an illustration of a blue Kali, with eight arms, each holding an iron, hand mirror, phone, steering wheel, typewriter, frying pan, duster, and clock. It sold 3 lakh copies. Ms. tackled issues of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and the repealing of laws that criminalised abortion.
Wordsworth
SOGIESC: Sexual Orientation (who you're attracted to), Gender Identity (what gender you identify with), Gender Expression (how you present yourself), and Sex Characteristics (biological attributes you're born with, like reproductive organs). This is an umbrella term for LGBTQAI+ communities. When the 19th Congress of the Philippines was adjourned, news organisations and those advocating for minority rights were disillusioned that the SOGIESC Equality Bill of 2022, formulated to ensure equality, was not taken up. Senator Risa Hontiveros, a health and women's rights advocate, hoped it would be passed in the next Congress, scheduled to convene next week.
Ouch!
Don't be afraid to be women, to allow yourselves to be led by a man.... Women, you are failing, you are eradicating masculinity, making society hypersensitive
Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, Mexican footballer
Woman we met
Taanya Kapoor, 33, started the Women and Gender Book Club in June 2023, to 'get back to reading for fun'. She remembers putting out (what was then) a tweet, asking people if they'd like to read fiction and non-fiction by women, with her. 'I just had 200 or 300 followers then, and when I woke up in the morning, there were 80,000 retweets,' she says. Now, with over 700 members of all genders from across the world, the club picks a book to read each month based on suggestions and a final poll. Sometimes, authors attend the Zoom meetings to speak about their books: Shrayana Bhattacharya (Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh), Farah Bashir (Rumours of Spring), and Neha Dixit (The Many Lives of Syeda X). Kapoor herself is in the process of doing a PhD on the contradictions of modern daughterhood in middle-class India.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Did you just study French for your English exam? Here's the history your textbook missed
Almost 950 years ago, a conquest led by William, Duke of Normandy, invaded not only England but also the language of the 'English'. In the Battle of Hastings, Anglo-Saxon King Harold was defeated, and his loss left a profound and lasting impact on how the language evolved over the centuries that followed. In the words of French linguist Bernard Cerquiglini, "The English language does not exist." That's mispronounced French. Today, students across classrooms around the world learn English as a vital part of their academic journey. Yet, what many fail to recognise is that nearly 40% of the English words they study are actually of French origin. It is well known that languages borrow from one another, but when the influence becomes as deep and enduring as that of French on English, it is more than borrowing, it is a language invasion. Modern linguistic estimates show that 30–40% of English vocabulary comes from French, much of it tracing directly to the centuries of Norman rule. From classrooms to courts, and from idioms to essay writing, students regularly use words rooted in Norman French, often without even knowing it. A conquest for culture, language and the English throne Prior to 1066, the dominant language of England was Old English, a Germanic tongue spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. It was used for writing, law codes, poetry, and public discourse. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo But the Norman Conquest brought about a complete linguistic and social restructuring. After claiming the crown at Hastings, William the Conqueror graced the English throne on Christmas Day of 1066. He got rid of the English nobility and appointed French-speaking Norman aristocrats in their place, who then introduced their own language, a dialect of Old French known as Anglo-Norman, as the new standard of power, law, and prestige. Over the next 300 years, French became the language of the court, the church, the elite and the law. Old English, in contrast, became the language of the common people; rural, unwritten, and declining. With nearly 85% of Old English vocabulary lost during this period, a new hybrid language emerged, fusing French and English. This hybrid evolved into Middle English, the basis of the language students learn today. French words dominate English vocabulary The Norman Conquest triggered the flooding of French vocabulary across all aspects of English life. According to Morocco World News, an estimated 30% of modern English vocabulary comes directly from French, and English speakers unknowingly use a vast French-origin vocabulary. Key vocabulary areas shaped by French include: Domain French-Origin Words Law court, jury, tribunal, verdict Politics government, minister, parliament, coup d'état Military army, military, commander Religion religion, confession, virgin Food & Class beef, veal, mutton, venison (vs. Old English: cow, calf) Daily Use abandon, accord, adopt, danger Education university, inspiration, language, literature The language battleground has French footprints all over The Norman Conquest didn't just add new vocabulary, it also changed how English words are formed. French contributed widely used prefixes and suffixes such as: Prefixes: con- , de- , ex- , pre- , trans- Suffixes: -ment , -ance , -ity , -tion , -ism , -ize These are now fundamental to word formation in English. For example: hindrance = Old English hinder + French -ance coverage = French cover + -age reborn = French prefix re- + native English word Even English syntax was affected. French-style phrases such as attorney general and court martial follow the noun-adjective structure common in French, unlike standard English order. English as a museum for french words English learners in India and around the world often encounter French-rooted vocabulary in textbooks, exams, and academic writing. Terms like critique , debate , motivation , inspiration , and education all trace back to French. Even subject names like history , grammar , and literature are French imports. Understanding the roots provide a much intriguing lesson and realisation that when learning one language you might actually be mastering traces of many. The cultural residue in sounds and idioms French also left a phonetic signature on English. Words like ballet , filet , corps , and bouquet retain silent letters and French pronunciations. Additionally, French idioms such as: bon voyage joie de vivre vis à vis au contraire à la mode are still used in both spoken and academic English today. Elite dominated it before commoners embraced it The English populace did not blatantly accept the French parade over their language instantly. In fact, in the early years the French adoption was restricted to the elite, while commoners spoke English. It was by the 13th century that French words found their way into everyday communication. With time, the English language evolved into a stew of both, incorporating French structure and vocabulary into the heart of the English language. This legacy is why, today, English is not purely Germanic, despite its origins, it is a hybrid tongue, carrying with it the linguistic DNA of conquest, colonisation, and cultural fusion. English is now spoken by billions, and the Norman Conquest remains one of its most formative chapters. For Indian students preparing for board exams, entrance tests, or mastering fluency, understanding this linguistic history offers more than trivia, it helps decode the very structure of the English they learn every day. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
News18
a day ago
- News18
World News Live Updates: North Korea rejects diplomatic overtures from South Korea
Live now Last Updated: From geopolitics to climate, tech to social change, News18 World live blog delivers real-time updates on what is the latest from around the globe News18 Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST Scientists warn of enduring toxic legacy from 2021 Sri Lanka ship disaster The environmental fallout from the 2021 X-Press Pearl cargo ship disaster off Sri Lanka has a far more enduring and toxic legacy than initially assessed, with scientists now confirming persistent and widespread contamination, BBC says in a report. The primary pollutants are billions of pre-production plastic pellets, known as nurdles, and hazardous chemicals which continue to degrade into microplastics. This ongoing contamination poses a significant long-term threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity, severely impacting the livelihoods of local fishing communities through reduced and contaminated fish stocks. The disaster has also created a substantial economic burden for Sri Lanka, which is still pursuing full compensation for cleanup and damages through complex legal proceedings, while the incident prompts calls for stricter international maritime regulations on transporting hazardous materials. Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST Israeli strikes in Gaza reportedly kill 63 amid deepening hunger crisis Israeli military strikes in Gaza have reportedly killed 63 people, with attacks occurring even in designated 'safe zones' despite declared tactical 'pauses' in fighting, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The humanitarian situation continues to worsen, as health officials in Gaza reported that six more Palestinians, including two children, have died from malnutrition and dehydration. These events compound a severe and deepening hunger crisis that humanitarian agencies have warned is pushing the population toward famine. Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST Green algae proliferation threatens French oyster industry A significant proliferation of green algae in Brittany's Morlaix Bay is posing a direct threat to the local oyster industry, according to a report in France 24. The algal blooms, primarily fed by farm waste and nitrogen fertilizers from the region's intensive agriculture, are creating adverse conditions for oyster farming. This long-standing environmental issue, which also impacts local tourism and public health, is reportedly being exacerbated by the effects of global warming, threatening the economic livelihoods of France's oyster farmers. Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST Google acknowledges its earthquake alert system failed to warn millions in Turkey Google's Android Earthquake Alerts System (AEAS) sent only 469 serious warnings ahead of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey, failing to alert millions of people, BBC says in a report. While the system detected the quake, Google acknowledged its performance was limited by the event's depth and complex rupture, which hindered its ability to assess the magnitude in real-time and issue critical 'take action' alerts on a mass scale. The incident has prompted Google to review its system's algorithms and has raised significant questions about the reliability of AI-driven public safety systems. This failure underscores the need for multi-layered disaster preparedness strategies that combine supplementary tech solutions with traditional government-operated seismic networks and may impact public trust in smartphone-based warning systems. Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST US and EU announce new trade framework The United States and the European Union have announced a new trade framework from Edinburgh, Scotland, as per a report in AP. The report did not include specific provisions or details of the agreement. Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST Deadline passes on CK Hutchison's US$23 billion global ports sale The deadline for exclusive negotiations regarding CK Hutchison Holdings' US$23 billion sale of stakes in 43 global ports to a consortium led by Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) passed without an agreement on Sunday, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The complex transaction, which includes strategically vital ports at both ends of the Panama Canal, is reportedly being complicated by intense US-China geopolitical rivalry. Analysts expect that the talks will be extended, as the deal faces scrutiny due to US national security concerns over foreign influence in critical infrastructure, despite the buyer, TIL, being an affiliate of the Swiss-Italian Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST China designates 'drone flight planner' as official profession amid economic push China has officially recognized 'drone flight planner' as a new profession to address a talent shortage in its rapidly growing low-altitude economy, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and is part of a larger government strategy to develop the low-altitude sector as a new engine for economic growth. This new designation is one of 17 new occupations announced, which also include roles like cross-border e-commerce operation manager, signaling a shift in labor market demands toward high-tech and specialized skills. Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST US and China reportedly planning autumn visit for President Trump US President Donald Trump is reportedly keen to visit China in the autumn of 2025, with officials working to arrange a trip for October or November, the South China Morning Post said in a report. While hurdles remain in the bilateral relationship, high-level officials from both Washington and Beijing are said to share a consensus on the need for the visit. The report clarifies that a potential trip in September to attend a parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II will not be happening. Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST Alibaba enters AI smart glasses race with Quark preview Alibaba Group Holding has entered the competitive smart glasses market by previewing its first AI-powered device, the Quark AI glasses, at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, South China Morning Post said in a report. Named after the company's AI assistant, the glasses' development is complete, with an official launch planned for later this year. The move places Alibaba in direct competition with global tech giants like Apple, Meta, and Google, as well as domestic rivals such as Huawei and Xiaomi, in the growing market for smart wearables and edge AI devices. The unveiling at China's largest annual AI event highlights the country's strategic push for leadership in artificial intelligence and its application in consumer technology.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
WWII vet who married at 100 in Normandy, plans Bar Mitzvah at 103 at the Pentagon; still chasing dreams 81 years after D-Day
Harold Terens , a 102-year-old World War II veteran from Florida, is preparing to celebrate his bar mitzvah at the Pentagon next year, a Jewish rite of passage he was denied as a child. The announcement came shortly after he marked his 102nd birthday surrounded by family and friends in Delray Beach. Harold Terens enlisted in the US Army Air Forces in 1942 and served as a radio repair technician for a P-47 Thunderbolt fighter squadron. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Healthcare Technology Design Thinking CXO Project Management Data Science Artificial Intelligence Data Analytics Degree healthcare Others Cybersecurity PGDM Management MCA Data Science Operations Management Digital Marketing Public Policy others Finance Product Management MBA Leadership Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis in Healthcare Financial Management & Investing Strategic Management in Healthcare Process Design & Analysis Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Program in Healthcare Management Starts on Jun 13, 2024 Get Details On D-Day in 1944, he helped repair planes returning from France and later assisted in transporting freed prisoners of war from Normandy to England. In June 2024, he was honored by the French government during the 80th anniversary of the country's liberation from Nazi occupation. Bar Mitzvah at 103 Terens plans to hold the bar mitzvah ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., when he turns 103 next summer. Live Events Born to a religious mother from Poland and an anti-religious father from Russia, he was the second of two sons. His older brother was bar mitzvahed; Terens was not, due to a compromise between his parents. He shared this lifelong wish during a public event, where it was overheard by the rabbi of the Pentagon. The ceremony is now in the works, with around 80 friends and family members already on the guest list. As reported by the Associated Press, Terens said, 'That's my next bucket list. I am going to be bar mitzvahed in the Pentagon.' From D-Day to Normandy wedding In addition to his military service, Terens made headlines in 2024 when he returned to Normandy to marry his partner Jeanne Swerlin, then 96. The couple, both originally from New York, wed in Carentan-les-Marais, near the D-Day landing beaches. After the ceremony, they attended a state dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and former US President Joe Biden at the Élysée Palace. Terens, who has met five US presidents during his lifetime, attributes his longevity to keeping stress low and finding joy in life. 'I think I'm the richest guy in the world and I don't have any money in the bank,' he told The New York Post, adding, 'The best is yet to come.'
