The Weight of Words: Nirmala Sitharaman’s Patriarchy Comments and Their Social Fallout

November 16, 2024 Florencia

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Try to picture this: you’re a woman juggling career ambitions with societal expectations or a queer individual navigating a world that still stigmatises your identity. You face barriers and discrimination daily, whether at work, in relationships, or through microaggressions. Instead of acknowledgement, you hear your struggles dismissed as “excuses.” This was the harsh reality felt by many when India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, recently declared that patriarchy is irrelevant by citing a few exceptional success stories as proof. While her words may aim to inspire self-reliance, they dismiss the structural inequities that hold a dangerous narrative that progress doesn’t need inclusivity.

The Narrative Unfolds

On November 9, 2024, Sitharaman addressed students at Jain University, Bengaluru, as part of a discussion on “India’s Growth Story.” During her speech, she emphasized women’s progress in India but shockingly dismissed patriarchy as a concept fabricated by the Left. To prove her point, she also cited examples of notable Indian women such as Indira Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, and female scientists contributing to India’s space programs. For her, these examples proved that patriarchy does not significantly obstruct women’s potential in India. She framed patriarchy instead as a “convenient excuse for inefficiency,” encouraging women to “stand up for themselves and argue logically” to succeed.

Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time Sitharaman has used such rhetoric. Throughout her work, she has consistently highlighted the government’s shift from “women-centric” to “women-led” policies. She pointed to initiatives like the Jan Dhan Yojana and its role in financial inclusion for women. However, these statements have been met with criticism for glossing over the deeper, more pervasive structural and cultural inequalities that still persist in India.

Sitharaman’s focus on resilience and self-reliance may resonate with some, but it fails to account for the systemic nature of patriarchy. For many women and queer individuals, oppression is a lived reality. Discrimination, workplace harassment, unequal access to education and healthcare, and deeply ingrained gender norms continue to shape their everyday lives. Her argument that patriarchy is irrelevant overlooks the fact that the examples she uses, such as Gandhi or ISRO scientists, represent the minority. While their success is inspiring, it doesn’t reflect the majority experience, where the playing field remains uneven. Furthermore, by framing patriarchy as an “excuse,” Sitharaman risks undermining efforts to address the systemic issues that continue to perpetuate inequality.

The Implications for People

Sitharaman’s rhetoric is particularly problematic in light of the harsh realities faced by women in India today. Despite significant advancements in education and employment, women continue to face serious barriers. For instance, India has one of the lowest female labor force participation rates globally, standing at just 25% in 2023. Patriarchal norms and expectations often force women to prioritize caregiving roles over professional growth. Dismissing patriarchy, as Sitharaman does, effectively negates the need for policies addressing these disparities.

Workplace harassment remains another critical issue. A 2022 report revealed that 70% of working women in India have experienced some form of harassment, yet only a small fraction report it due to fear of retaliation or stigma. By trivializing the importance of recognizing patriarchy, Sitharaman’s rhetoric risks emboldening institutions to ignore these systemic issues, leaving women even more vulnerable to exploitation.

Sitharaman’s dismissal of patriarchy has also sparked backlash from India’s LGBTQ+ community. Queer individuals face layered discrimination, not only for their sexual orientation or gender identity but also for their failure to conform to traditional gender roles. While legal advances, such as the decriminalization of homosexuality in 2018, have made significant progress, cultural stigma still persists, contributing to the continued exclusion of queer individuals. By denying patriarchy’s relevance, Sitharaman inadvertently marginalizes queer voices, disregarding their struggles for recognition and equal rights. Critics argue that this denial could hinder the progress of movements advocating for anti-discrimination laws and more inclusive policies.

An Oversight in Policy Reality

Sitharaman’s assertion that India’s policies have transitioned to “women-led” ignores the on-ground realities many women face. Programs like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao have been criticized for focusing more on optics than on substantive change. A 2023 audit revealed that 56% of the scheme’s funds were spent on publicity, rather than addressing core issues such as gender-based violence, educational inequality, and providing practical support for women. This highlights a larger issue: while the government promotes women in leadership roles, the absence of strong anti-discrimination frameworks prevents these efforts from making a meaningful impact.

Without addressing the deeply embedded patriarchal biases ingrained in institutions and society, policies risk becoming nothing more than symbolic gestures. Sitharaman’s comments on patriarchy perpetuate this cycle, disregarding the need for policies that actively dismantle these ingrained barriers. The government’s focus on women-led initiatives is commendable, but until these initiatives tackle the structural forces that sustain gender inequality, they remain insufficient.

Responses and Backlash

Unfortunately, Sitharaman’s comments have drawn sharp criticism from activists, scholars, and opposition leaders. Feminist groups argue that her narrative trivializes decades of advocacy for women’s and queer rights. Public intellectuals have pointed out that dismissing patriarchy as irrelevant undermines the credibility of those working to dismantle it. As one prominent activist put it, “Patriarchy isn’t just a concept; it’s a lived reality for millions of Indians. To deny its existence is to deny the very struggles of those who fight for equity daily.”

Furthermore, many critics have emphasized that progress and patriarchy are not mutually exclusive. India’s achievements in fields such as science, technology, and politics coexist with deeply rooted inequalities. Acknowledging patriarchy does not diminish the success of women and queer individuals but highlights the extraordinary resilience it often takes to succeed despite these barriers. Structural change requires both recognizing the barriers and creating policies to dismantle them. This involves addressing gender-based violence, reforming labor laws, and fostering inclusive educational environments.

The Broader Context

Sitharaman’s rhetoric fits into a larger political narrative that seeks to reject “Leftist” frameworks in favor of a more nationalist agenda. This shift often involves dismissing concepts like patriarchy and caste as Western impositions. However, such dismissals ignore the indigenous roots of these oppressions and their deep impact on Indian society. By framing systemic issues as ideological constructs, this narrative shifts the focus from collective accountability to individual resilience. While individual determination is undoubtedly important, it cannot replace the need for systemic reform. A nation’s growth depends not only on individual achievements but also on the collective efforts to address the structural barriers that prevent many from realizing their full potential.

Building a More Inclusive Future

In a rapidly evolving India, the denial of systemic oppression undermines the country’s potential for true inclusivity. By acknowledging the existence of patriarchy and its intersections with other forms of discrimination, policymakers can create frameworks that empower all citizens, women, queer individuals, and marginalized communities alike. Progress does not mean overlooking structural inequalities; it means addressing them head-on.

As the debate around Sitharaman’s remarks continues, one thing is clear: India’s growth story must include every voice, not just those deemed exceptional. After all, a nation’s strength lies not in dismissing its challenges but in overcoming them together. Only through a comprehensive understanding of systemic oppression can India build a future where true inclusivity is not just a dream, but a reality.

Work Cited:

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