The kind of messages you get from reading a book depends on the kind of reader you are. Every book has some kind of message, and if you read with a conscious mind, you’ll be aware of it. For example, I’m reading a book by Shobha De right now, and it’s interesting to note how the characters in the book respond to each other, because their voices are the author’s and we need to be aware of what the author is trying to say. We need to know the authorial intention. Even when dealing with issues regarding women, if we’re good at recognizing the voice and the pattern of the environment the book creates, we’ll find things that are thought-provoking. What I mean is that a book doesn’t always have to give ideas outright. Readers have to be inquisitive and scrutinizing. In that sense, I enjoyed reading Golden Gate by Shrijana Sharma who has taken different steps when it comes to the characters and the stories, and I think that it should be read by all at least once.
Illya Bhattarai,
author of ‘Kasle Ke Bujhyo?’
One of the books that I’ve found to be extremely progressive regarding women’s empowerment is Madhavi by Madan Mani Dixit. Published in the 1980s, this novel depicts the post-Vedic time and is about Madhavi. She’s a woman who isn’t restricted inside the social boundary and has the powerful kings under her command. She has the ability to help them and does so for good causes. A conscious reader can’t help but compare the society then and now, and it’s important to know why the society now isn’t as women-friendly as then. Similarly, Draupadi in the Mahabharat is someone we can look up to for examples of a different kind of women’s empowerment. Draupadi’s determination to fight for her right can definitely give an example to us women about how we should learn to fend for ourselves. So I would recommend these books for anyone who wants to know more on women’s empowerment.
Manisha Gauchan,
author of ‘White Cane’
Simone De Beauvoir’s ‘The Second Sex’ is phenomenal in describing women and their condition. Most books regarding women’s empowerment are based on that. Along with that, there are many books that we should read to know more about the progressive ideas on gender equality and women’s empowerment.One such book would be Swaastitwako Khoj which is a collection of stories by many women writers. They have shared their stories of struggles and lives and I found it to be heart-touching and strangely inspiring because although it paints vivid pictures of their struggles and challenges, it also tells how they overcame them and that’s very important to know. After all, nothing is more inspiring than true stories that say that if they want, women can do anything. This book also makes you look for the inspiration in yourself to do something: If they can, why can’t you?
Usha Sherchan,
author of ‘Tesro Rang’
Far from progressive
Of the books I read, Aaimaiko Kunai Desh Chhaina, which is a Nepali translation of the book by Taslima Nasrin. The book deals with the social oppression of women in Bangladeshi society. And because the norms and cultures are similar to Nepal’s, the issues raised in this book can be related with those of our own country. There are many kinds of violence inflicted on women in the name of culture and norms, which are absolutely outrageous. Branding of women as witches, marital rape, a husband forcing his wife for prostitution – these are the issues that have been taking place in our society for a long time. Yet, it still needs deep scrutiny. This book might be helpful in acquainting yourself with the issues at hand so that you can be moved to do something about it. And we should do something about it.
