High rates of gender-based violence and a slow legal response remain major obstacles to safety and equality.

The calendar of an Indian woman is often punctuated by rituals. Fasting is a massive component of the lifestyle. From Karva Chauth (where a wife fasts for her husband’s long life) to Navratri (nine nights of devotion), fasting is viewed not just as religious duty but as a method of self-discipline and detoxification. Even in metropolitan cities like Mumbai or Delhi, you will see women applying mehendi (henna), decorating rangolis , and preparing specific festive cuisines that have been passed down for centuries.

Challenges include a skewed sex ratio due to son preference, child marriage, and the persistent dowry practice.