Things My Mother Didn't Teach Me

The book emerges from personal experience and intense struggle against the norms that are accepted as a result of our conditioning while living in a patriarchal society. We wish to live in a society with no gender discrimination. Until and unless we teach our children to respect and value women, not only through words but actions, we cannot eliminate gender discrimination. Often mothers tell their children, “Girls should know how to cook,” “Girls should not revolt against sexual harassment,” “Women should always sacrifice,” “Women are great at multi-tasking,” etc.

An underlying message goes out, clear and loud, to children that women are supposed to be submissive and should never raise their voices. Is this the kind of world we aim to create for our children?

It’s time to raise our children differently! The onus lies with each one of us, especially mothers.