Growing up in a traditional Indian family in Canada, I felt suffocated by gender biases and oppression from a young age. My parents' manipulation and control took its toll on me, forcing me to conform to societal expectations. In grade 6, I began to realize the extent of their abuse, manipulation, and gender biases.
By age 15, my parents placed me under home confinement for daring to have a boyfriend. They eventually forced me to comply with traditional expectations for Indian girls. These expectations were rooted in ancient Indian traditions and philosophy, which viewed girls as mere commodities to be married off at a young age to maintain their purity and avoid negative behaviors. Girls were not considered worthy of the same rights as boys, as they were deemed of no value. The manipulation and control had already taken a significant toll on my life, but the final blow was devastating- I attempted suicide at age 15.
I thought things could not get worse; I was forced into a traditional Indian arranged marriage at 16 years old. As a teenager, I was robbed of my right to education, my childhood, and my future. My parents coerced and manipulated my husband and me into raising my older sister Rani's abandoned babies.
The trauma of this experience left deep scars but also fueled my determination to break free from the shackles of societal norms and reclaim my autonomy. As I navigated this treacherous landscape, I discovered that the traditions meant to guide me were a way to manipulate and control me. Through my journey of self-discovery, I found the courage to challenge these norms and reclaim my power. Will I emerge stronger, wiser, and more empowered than ever before? Will I emerge from this darkness as a beacon of hope? inspiring others who have faced similar challenges?
