Influential Role of Women and Changing Society

April 14, 2026

A 3-day special session of the national Parliament is being convened on April 16, 17, and 18 to grant women one-third reservation at every level of politics. Women have asserted their identity in the country in a highly impactful manner.

From educational outcomes to competitive job examinations, women are at the forefront. No field remains off-limits to the power of women today; avenues for their advancement have been opened even within the armed forces. Permission has now been granted to deploy women on the front lines as well. The presence and prominence of working women have grown significantly. Concurrently, the perception that women constitute the “weaker sex” is also undergoing a transformation.

However, even in this modern era, when marital discord leads to a divorce, divorced women are often viewed with pity; furthermore, a traditional mindset—one that tends to socially marginalize or neglect them—often resurfaces. Yet, society is gradually evolving. Gone are the days when the birth of a daughter was perceived as a burden—a perception that, in the past, sometimes led to tragic consequences. The truth is that the status of a daughter is paramount—surpassing that of any other relationship. A daughter deserves to be treated with the same dignity and respect, whether in times of joy or sorrow.

A recent example of this shift was witnessed in Meerut. There, a retired judge welcomed his divorced daughter back home with great fanfare—celebrating her return with the rhythmic beats of drums and traditional music. Defying the social convention that views a divorced daughter as a burden, the parents welcomed her with open arms and festive celebrations. The opposing party argued that their daughter-in-law’s conduct had been inappropriate and that her behavior had caused their son to suffer from severe mental stress. Be that as it may, while the legal system will ultimately adjudicate and resolve these mutual allegations and counter-allegations, the act of welcoming a divorced daughter in such a celebratory manner undeniably reflects a profound shift in societal attitudes. Among the members of this crew, astronaut Christina Koch holds the record for spending the longest continuous duration in space. The impactful presence of women—in any field whatsoever—is truly commendable