Patriarchy—a word we are all familiar with. From ancient times to the modern generation, we continue to hear about the silence, struggles, and challenges associated with it. Recently, a debate on patriarchy resurfaced after a statement by one of the strongest women in our country, the Finance Minister. Her perspective stirred discussions, reminding us that while the perception of patriarchy may differ from person to person, it undeniably exists in our society and culture. Even in today’s modern era, despite significant progress in women’s empowerment, gender equality initiatives, laws, and activism, patriarchy still survives—sometimes openly, but often hidden in homes and workplaces, where silence helps it thrive.
For instance, the India Patriarchy Index (Singh et al., 2021) presents empirical evidence that Bihar consistently ranks as one of the most patriarchal states in India, with gender disparities particularly high among Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). This highlights the fact that, while some women may navigate patriarchal barriers more easily, many others—especially from marginalized communities—face heightened challenges. These entrenched norms affect women’s freedom and decision-making power and contribute to social and economic divides.
Just because not everyone experiences patriarchy directly does not mean it doesn’t exist or cause harm. Many factors contribute to how women navigate or confront patriarchy. Some women achieve their goals or resist patriarchal norms with relative ease because of supportive home environments, emotionally intelligent and empathetic male family members and colleagues, or simply due to privilege. They may never have faced patriarchy’s oppressive nature, which doesn’t invalidate the struggles of others.
If we reflect on the old era, combating patriarchy was undoubtedly more challenging than it is today. Yet, even then, some women fought against it and achieved remarkable success. However, circumstances differ for every individual. Just as no two lives are the same, the challenges women face are also unique. Many women continue to experience dilemmas where family sacrifices or societal expectations push them to prioritize others over themselves. These sacrifices don’t signify weakness or a lack of will to fight—they are often the result of complex and unimaginable situations that compel women to remain silent.
As a Mental health care professional I’ve personally witnessed women who cannot make even basic decisions for themselves without their husband’s consent. I’ve seen the worst-case scenarios, where women endure abuse in male-dominated households. Even educated women sometimes sacrifice their dreams or fail to achieve their goals due to deeply ingrained patriarchal mindsets. In many workplaces and families—regardless of reputation or education—women’s successes are often framed as the result of being “allowed” by men, as if men own the right to dictate their lives.
When patriarchy is discussed, it often offends men. Many react defensively, unable to accept the reality of the issue. This psychological defense reflects the already conditioned mindset that considers patriarchy “normal.” They fail to see why women raise it as a problem. If we want to grow as a society, we must adopt compassion and mutual understanding instead of indulging in gender rivalries. In Hindu culture, for instance, gods place men and women as equals. It is people’s interpretations and perceptions that have distorted the balance, relegating women’s roles to being inferior or restricted.
In modern times, where logic and progress should prevail, it is crucial for society to evolve its perception too. For meaningful change, we must first acknowledge the problem. Only then can we focus on solutions.Together, if we all make efforts—with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to equality—we can create a better future. Imagine a world where no woman has to fight for her rights because those rights are a given. Isn’t that the future we all deserve?