LIES OUR MOTHERS TOLD US The Indian Woman’s Burden by Nilanjana Bhowmick [Hardcover]

Lies Our Mothers Told Us: Exposing the Realities of Indian Women's Burdens

Are Indian women truly liberated? Nilanjana Bhowmick's "Lies Our Mothers Told Us: The Indian Woman's Burden" shatters the illusion of progress. While icons like Savitribai Phule fought for legal rights like suffrage and equal pay, the reality for most Indian women today is far from ideal.

The Double Burden: Working Women Still Drowning

The book exposes the crushing workload of Indian women. They dedicate a staggering average of 299 minutes to housework daily, on top of 134 minutes of caregiving. This translates to 82% of domestic duties falling on their shoulders. This burden often starts young, forcing many girls to abandon education and dreams of financial independence.

The Myth of Empowerment: The Middle-Class Trap

Bhowmick argues that the middle class presents a particularly deceptive situation. These families project an image of female empowerment, yet the reality is a "double shift" for working women. They manage demanding careers while still being expected to handle most household responsibilities. This pressure to be a "superwoman" takes a heavy toll on their mental and physical well-being.

Can Women Have it All? A Question Worth Asking

Nilanjana Bhowmick delves into real-life stories and statistics to paint a clear picture.  She challenges the notion that Indian women can truly achieve work-life balance and equal partnership within a patriarchal society. "Lies Our Mothers Told Us" is a wake-up call, prompting a crucial discussion: is the idea of "having it all" just another burden placed on Indian women?

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in:

Gender equality in India
The challenges faced by working women
The realities of middle-class life in India
The future of women's rights in India