My Journey as a Feminist in Bangalore

I’m 35 years old woman, living in the vibrant city of Bangalore, and I work in a non-technical role. I’m also a feminist who has made the conscious choice to remain single. Yet, beneath this strong exterior lies an internal struggle that I need to voice.

I’ve fought against societal norms at my home that try to dictate a woman’s worth. It took me 3 years to get them to agree to my MBA.

But life has a way of challenging our convictions in the most unexpected ways.

I was diagnosed with infertility in my mid 20s. Took many doctor opinions but IVF is gonna be a very low chance affair for me.

The news hit me like a ton of bricks, shattering parts of me I didn’t even know existed. It made me realize that marriage and children were not for me, I never anticipated that the inability to have children would affect me so profoundly. But here I am, grappling with the reality that a choice I thought was mine to make has been taken away by forces beyond my control.

The feminist in me screams that I don’t need to conform to traditional roles to be fulfilled. But the woman in me mourns the loss of a possibility, of a path not taken. It’s an emotional paradox, this clash between my principles and my biology, leaving me in a state of inner turmoil.

In Bangalore, a city known for its progressiveness yet deeply rooted in tradition, it’s tough to navigate these feelings. On one hand, my professional life is thriving.

But despite my professional success and independence, I can’t ignore the societal whispers. Some days, I feel incredibly strong, embracing my choices. Other days, I feel a profound sense of loss. I’m learning to accept that it’s okay to have both feelings coexist.

To anyone facing similar struggles, you’re not alone. Our strength lies in acknowledging our pain and supporting each other.