Mayaa SH is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and is a prominent figure in contemporary literature and women’s and human rights.She uses her platform as a writer, poetess, and an avid campaigner against gender based violence to champion women’s rights and gender equality. Mayaa SH, a prominent Indian authoress, social activist, and developmental feminist, has consistently championed gender equality through her writings, activism, and public statements. Her perspectives emphasize the fundamental human right to equality, the importance of women’s empowerment, and the need to dismantle patriarchal structures. Her work depicts the identity, economic, and social freedom of many, and she has been featured in several magazines and women-oriented publications.Feminism, according to Mayaa SH, plays a critical role in eliminating domestic abuse and, by extension, femicide, by identifying its root causes in patriarchal systems and gender inequality . Feminist approaches advocate for systemic change, offering life-saving services like shelters, counseling, and legal assistance to survivors . She emphasizes that violence is a learned, gendered, and institutionally supported behavior, and combating it requires targeting the sources of violence rather than accepting the status quo. Mayaa SH also advocates for comprehensive legal reforms that prioritize women’s rights, including changes in matrimonial law and the criminalization of marital rape . She believes in the transformative power of education and awareness to dismantle rape culture and foster a society where women are treated with dignity and respect .The importance of creating supportive communities and destigmatizing mental illness and domestic violence through open conversations is also highlighted in her work. In a candid conversation the Firebrand Feminist speaks about Women Empowerment , Gender Based Violence and Women’s Rights…
What according to you is Women’s Empowerment?
My understanding of women’s empowerment is rooted in the belief that women must have equal footing with men in all aspects of life, including legal, political, physical, mental, social, and economic spheres .True empowerment occurs when women become aware of and actively challenge socio-psychological-cultural injustices, gender discrimination, and the negative impacts of societal forces . This involves providing women with access to physical, human, and intellectual resources such as knowledge, information, ideas, and financial resources, enabling them to make decisions regarding their homes, families, communities, and nation.
What is your opinion on Gender Based Violence(GBV) be eliminated ?
The elimination of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) necessitates a multi-pronged approach encompassing prevention, intervention, and systemic change. Key strategies include addressing gender inequality, empowering women and girls, engaging men and boys, strengthening legal frameworks, providing comprehensive survivor support, and fostering community-wide awareness and accountability.Challenging Gender Inequality and Harmful Norms: This is the foundational step, as GBV is deeply entrenched in unequal power dynamics .It requires confronting and reflecting on personal beliefs and societal attitudes that perpetuate violence .Teaching young people about healthy relationships, consent, and boundaries is crucial .This includes promoting positive role models and creating safe spaces for discussion .I do stress on the need for empowering women economically and socially . Economic dependence and lack of social acceptance often trap individuals in abusive cycles, making it difficult for them to escape . My book, Stamped: For Domestic Violence Survivors, aims to instill hope and self-confidence in survivors, drawing from real-life testimonies to guide those who have lost self-esteem due to abuse . I do believe that self-belief is crucial for women to retain their identity and assert themselves in society . Addressing obstacles to women’s economic empowerment, such as the lack of decent work opportunities and discriminatory social norms, is vital for their overall safety and well-being.
How would you see femicide getting reduced ?
Reducing femicide, the gender-based killing of women and girls, requires a multifaceted and comprehensive approach that addresses its root causes, strengthens legal frameworks, improves data collection, and fosters societal change. This global crisis, often rooted in gender inequality, stereotyped gender roles, discrimination, and harmful social norms, demands coordinated efforts across individual, relationship, community, and societal levels .One of the most impactful ways to reduce femicide is through the explicit recognition and criminalization of femicide as a distinct offense in national and international law. This legal distinction highlights the gendered nature of these killings, which are often motivated by misogyny, and ensures that perpetrators are held accountable under specific provisions rather than general homicide statutes . Countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Chile have implemented such laws, leading to stricter penalties and increased awareness, though enforcement remains a challenge .A binding international legal framework on femicide would standardize definitions, facilitate international cooperation, and compel states to adopt necessary reforms, thereby enhancing prevention and prosecution efforts globally.Femicide is deeply intertwined with gender inequality and patriarchal attitudes .Therefore, prevention efforts must focus on: Challenging harmful gender stereotypes and norms which involves educating the next generation about consent, bodily autonomy, and accountability, and promoting healthy masculinities that are not based on aggression or control.Social marketing campaigns and educational programs can help shift societal attitudes that condone violence or blame victims .Promoting women’s economic empowerment and independence is a must .Economic marginalization increases women’s vulnerability to violence. Initiatives that provide cash assistance, increase access to education, and create opportunities for women in the labor market can enhance their safety and self-determination.Addressing gender inequality requires the active participation of all members of society. Programs that encourage men to examine and break down destructive notions of masculinity and promote gender equality are vital.
What is the central theme of your campaigning for women empowerment?
The main emphasis that the motives behind gender-related killings often include discriminatory attitudes towards victims, control of power/ownership, molding victim behavior to obey instructions, and forcing victims to adhere to stereotypical gender roles . These factors contribute to an increase in various crimes against women, including rape, sexual assault, dowry-related violence, and trafficking .A central theme in my campaigning is the importance of generating awareness about domestic violence, which is often a precursor to femicide. She argues that awareness campaigns are crucial for breaking the silence and stigma surrounding domestic violence, educating the public about its prevalence and impact, and debunking misconceptions . This understanding empowers individuals to recognize warning signs, offer support, and seek help . I also do advocate for challenging inappropriate behavior and understanding relevant data, encouraging the use of social media hashtags like #OrangeTheWorld and #GenerationEquality to raise awareness.
What do you suggest towards legal reforms for Matrimonial Law ?
In matrimonial law, I do highlight the need for a deeper understanding of conflict dynamics to reduce prolonged proceedings, suggesting alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration, mediation, and minitrials to achieve consensual agreements rather than relying solely on judicial decisions. The importance of respecting women as equal persons within legal battles, advocating for unbiased judgments and condemning personal discretions and biases that can lead to unstable precedents is a must . A crucial reform is looking forward to the criminalization of marital rape. Furthermore, it called for a separate Bill of Rights for women to ensure a life of dignity and security, granting women complete gender autonomy. The judiciary, I do note, has a primary responsibility to enforce fundamental rights and can take suo motu cognizance of such issues.My key legal reform proposals for improving women’s rights primarily focus on strengthening existing laws, addressing gaps in legal protection, and ensuring effective implementation to counter patriarchal norms and gender-based violence . A central tenet of my advocacy is the criminalization of marital rape, which I view as a critical step towards recognizing women’s bodily autonomy and dignity within marriage.I do assert that the protection of the “Institution” of marriage should not come at the cost of a woman’s rights to bodily integrity, decisional autonomy, and dignity, as guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution.The need for mandatory registration of all marriages in India, irrespective of the personal laws under which they are solemnized, in the presence of a magistrate is a must .I do lay stresse on the importance of effective communication and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms like arbitration, mediation, and minitrials for civil matters within family law, to reduce prolonged proceedings and promote consensual agreements . It is important to highlight the critical role of the judiciary in enforcing fundamental rights and taking suo motu cognizance.
How do you feel being featured in a magazine that stars Malaika Arora ?
It is a matter of great Pride and huge reverence to be featured in a magazine that reflects Malaika Arora Ji and her journey. Malaika Arora is a well-known Indian actress, model, and television personality. She is equally involved in and supportive of initiatives promoting women’s empowerment, although my work is more focused on literature and activism.As a public figure and authoress, it is imperative that women must likely to leverage their platforms to raise awareness about social issues and inspire others,so does Malaika ji .I view to be featured in a magazine that speaks about Journey of Malaika Arora ji as two extremely confident individuals who aren’t afraid to express themselves and advocate for their beliefs and commitment to creating more equitable society.
What is your one quotation on Empowering Women ?
“Economic dependence and lack of social acceptance often trap individuals in abusive cycles, making it difficult for them to escape.Violence is a learned, gendered, and institutionally supported behavior, and combating it requires targeting the sources of violence rather than accepting the status quo .Women must embrace their full selves and to define their own paths. Personal empowerment contributes to the broader advancement of women’s rights.Women’s liberation extends beyond legal or social equality to include personal fulfillment and joy. There must be powerful affirmation on female identity and self-acceptance, celebrating the inherent beauty and strength of women regardless of societal standards.Addressing obstacles to women’s economic empowerment, such as the lack of decent work opportunities and discriminatory social norms, is vital for their overall safety and well-being .Women deserve Equal Treatment in a world where an Equal World Is An Empowered World…”
About Mayaa SH
Mayaa SH is a renowned Indian author, poetess, and social activist known for her advocacy on women’s rights, mental health awareness, and gender equality. She’s a prolific writer with over two hundred plus anthologies and fourteen plus solo books to her credit.Mayaa SH, a prominent Indian authoress, activist, and public intellectual, advocates for significant legal reforms aimed at enhancing women’s rights and achieving gender equality in India. Her proposals stem from a deep understanding of existing patriarchal structures and the historical challenges women face in accessing justice and asserting their autonomy. Mayaa SH advocates for comprehensive legal reforms to advance women’s rights, emphasizing the need to dismantle patriarchal structures and ensure gender equality across various societal domains. Her suggestions span matrimonial law, criminal law, and broader societal changes to empower women.Mayaa SH champions a broader societal shift towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. She asserts that feminism is not a conflict between men and women but a movement for equal rights and the dismantling of archaic patriarchal doctrines. She advocates for increased support for women from families to enable them to achieve high career positions without hindrance, believing that empowered women lead to strong families, societies, and nations. She emphasizes that investments in women’s education, health, employment opportunities, and empowerment yield significant economic and social benefits, improving quality of life and income allocation.Mayaa SH also highlights the importance of addressing violence against women, which has been exacerbated by global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and climate change, as it obstructs poverty alleviation and equitable resource distribution . Her work consistently aims to challenge the radical mindset that upholds patriarchal norms, advocating for women to be recognized as self-asserting entities with intellectual power, capable of achieving altruistic masterworks when given freedom . She is a strong campaigner against body shaming and a suicide prevention expert, promoting self-belief and challenging stereotypes that label independent women as “characterless”.Mayaa SH’s advocacy extends to ensuring women’s full and equal participation in peace processes and security efforts, recognizing their crucial role in conflict resolution and community building.She believes that investing in women’s health and education yields significant economic and social benefits, fostering entrepreneurship and improving income allocation . Mayaa SH’s advocacy extends to challenging the pervasive issue of patriarchy, which she views as the root cause of domestic violence, assault, and other crimes against women .She asserts that feminism is not a war between genders but a movement for equal rights and the dismantling of archaic patriarchal doctrines.
