Actress Saba Azad has shared her thoughts on how society, despite claims of progress, still finds it difficult to accept ambitious women. In an exclusive interview with IANS, the 'Who's Your Gynac?' actress highlighted that the system is inherently structured to favor men, forcing women to put in double the effort to make their mark.
Patriarchal Society and Double Standards
When asked whether society still struggles to accept ambitious women unless they have external support, Saba responded, "Women often have to work twice as hard to prove themselves. We still live in a patriarchal society where judgment comes very quickly when it comes to women. The system has traditionally been built for men and their success."
She elaborated on the ground reality, stating, "In many parts of our country, women are still not allowed to work freely or make independent choices. We may not always see that reality in cities, but it exists. So women constantly have to prove themselves, not just professionally but also at home. If they work, they are judged. If they do not work, they are judged again."
Endless Expectations and Male Ego
Saba concluded that the expectations from women are endless, making their struggle far more challenging. When asked if the male ego feels threatened by strong women, she pointed out that society still operates within a patriarchal framework. "Men are often raised to believe they are superior to women, so when they encounter strong women, it can challenge their conditioning. Their ego gets hurt because they are not used to seeing women as equals," she explained.
A Solution Through Learning
Offering a path forward, Saba added, "But growth comes from learning. The moment we accept these truths instead of ignoring them, we can evolve and change. Learning never stops. Whenever I meet a strong woman, my instinct is to learn from her. Women multitask effortlessly and carry emotional strength in ways society often overlooks. There is so much to learn from them."
