In 1947, as India shook itself off its colonial chains, half of its population – its women – were still shackled by deep-rooted patriarchy, inequality and illiteracy. Yet today, Indian women have made India proud by winning Olympic medals, serving as key figures in policymaking, and even leading space missions.

Today, 79 years after Independence, women continue to march on from the margins to the mainstream. It isn’t a story of progress but of courage. These women have been marching their way on, not as survivors but as changemakers!

Progress is slow in many countries, but some developing countries are seeing incremental improvements.”

— Adv. Anita Shekhar Castellino, Advocate at Bombay HC & Convenor of ILAW

Advocates Of Change

My journey into the legal profession was not one of a ‘calling’ but as an alternative career choice strongly influenced by my elder brother Adv. Suresh Chandrashekhar, and my now husband, Adv. Bruno Castellino,” says Advocate Anita Shekhar Castellino, Advocate Bombay High Court and Convenor of the Interactive Lawyer’s Association for Women.

Today, 35 years later, Adv Anita is a formidable figure in the legal fraternity, not just as a woman in law but as someone who commands the courtroom. From having automatic sanitary pad vending machines set up in 2018 at the Bombay HC in the Lady Advocates’ Common room to setting up the first ever creche facility at the Bombay HC to being called as a key person to give suggestions on the Shakti Bill enacted in 2021 by the Home Minister of Maharashtra, Adv. Anita Shekhar Castellino is a force to be reckoned with.

Her journey remains sparked by encouragement from her family members, especially her mother (Annie Shekhar) and daughter (Malaika Castellino), also a budding advocate. However, things weren’t rosy. As a young law student, Anita was aware of a glaring imbalance. The ratio of women entering into litigation was deeply skewed. She adds, “It was clear that women were not easily accepted in practice by litigants, corporates or even law firms who viewed women to be best suited for desk jobs, not for arguing in open court.”

Undeterred by this innate bias, Adv. Anita turned the belief that women were somehow ‘not good enough’ to argue in court into her biggest strengths and motivation.

Fully Armed

Not just law, but women in the armed forces, too, have been at the forefront. “I grew up with a deep love for my country. My grandfather was a freedom fighter. His stories filled me with the dream of serving the nation.” says Captain (Dr) Sunaina Singh, an Ex-Indian Army Officer. Captain Sunaina shares her experience in the Intelligence Corps Unit. Calling it a combination of hard work, adaptability, and a deep sense of duty for the country.

She says, “Being the first woman officer from my hometown- Kaithal was not just an achievement, it was a responsibility I chose to carry with dignity and determination.” A young Sunaina always knew at heart that she would one day serve and make India proud. Being a child born into an army-driven family, Captain Sunaina admired the discipline, the respect and the pride that came with wearing the uniform.

The army is a very structured and tradition-driven organization so change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, but once it does, it stays for good.”

— Captain (Dr) Sunaina Singh, Ex-Indian Army Officer

Fighting Biases

Shaina NC is a strong voice in the field of politics and fashion. When Shaina entered Indian politics, she didn’t expect to be underestimated solely because of her fashion background. However, she soon discovered that for women in politics, respect isn’t given freely. It must be earned, fought for, or sometimes just snatched and kept.

Shaina says, “Even today, women in public life are treated like flower pots in the living room, meant to be seen, not heard.” Politics, being a male-dominated zone, tends to be extremely challenging for women. Shaina adds, “Women are often allowed to be in the room but rarely at the centre of decision-making.” However, she recalls a piece of advice from Sadguru that still resonates with her. “What he said stays with me even today — no woman should play the the bechari card. Rather, she should show the competency card that you are capable of based on your work.”

Even today, women in public life are treated like flower pots in the living room – meant to be seen, not heard.”

— Shaina NC, Indian Politician

Time For Change

Women have come a long way. Shaina believes it’s time for society to confront an undeniable truth: women have minds of their own and are fully capable of contributing meaningfully to legislation and public service – with due diligence, competence and integrity.

Talking about discrimination, Captain Sunaina says, “The army is a very structured and tradition-driven organization so change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, but once it does, it stays for good.” When she initially joined the armed forces, there were waves of hesitation from those around because many never imagined a woman to join the armed forces. However, Captain Sunaina is optimistic that despite the gender gaps and biases, competency overrules other barriers.

Adv. Anita opines that though women law graduates are increasing with every passing year, they are often unrepresented or underrepresented in top courts and law firms. “Progress is slow in many countries, but some developing countries are seeing incremental improvements.” For instance, today, many women advocates are partners in top law firms and serve as leaders of legal reform committees.

Powerful Changemakers

Perhaps the biggest shift is that Indian women are no longer waiting for permission. They are claiming their space, not just as participants but as leaders. Captain Sunaina says, “One of the most special and contributory phases of my career was my posting with the NCC.” It was here that Captain Sunaina moulded young cadets, guiding, motivating and watching them grow into confident individuals ready to take on their call of duty.

Adv. Anita shares how ILAW, comprising women advocates and senior counsels from across different courts of the state, has been instrumental in providing a platform for women in the legal field. The community that started with less than 100 members today has around 800 strong women.

India may have gained independence in 1947, but for millions of women, the real journey to freedom continues even today. Yet, many women are not just surviving within the system but reshaping it.