On International Women’s Day, we decided to reach out to 4 women from our city, who’ve led the way in not only breaking stereotypes and gender roles, but also paved the way to inspire the new generation of women, in following their heart. We sat with them for a quick chat on their story, and everything that played a pivotal role in redefining those stories and making them who they are today.
Baani Yadav, Rally Racer
“In 1982, at 11 years old, I got my first taste of racing when I saw the French Grand Prix live. Watching the cars whizz past me in a blur, I couldn’t fathom the sheer speed at which they were moving. I wanted to be in that car and experience it for myself. We came home and I told my father that I wanted to be a racer. He thought it was a fleeting fascination of a young child, and discouraged me by saying that a career in racing wasn’t an option in India, and even less so for a girl. However, I held on to my dreams even as life took over. I got married to a wonderful and supportive man, had two sons and enjoyed a content life. But there was always a burning desire to get onto a racetrack. As mothers, we often forget to pay attention to our needs and live our own lives. But my husband and sons saw my passion and encouraged me to follow my heart. At the age of 43, I participated in my very first race. I was met with a lot of ridicule, I struggled to find any sponsors and fellow racers didn’t take me seriously. They all expected me to participate in a couple of races and then move on as they didn’t think I had the ability or time for racing, being a woman and a mother. But I kept turning up to the track, race after race, determined to prove them wrong. My turning point was in 2016, when I stood 2nd in the challenging Rally De North, something no woman had done before. That is when I felt I had finally arrived. It also forced the male racers to sit up and see me in a different light. They finally gave me due credit and acknowledged my skills. My journey has taught me that women must take the first step towards empowering themselves. You owe it to yourself to follow your dreams, no matter how big or small they may be.”
Bhavna Paliwal, Detective
“Since I was a child, I always wanted to do something different, something that isn’t usually expected of women. It always made me furious whenever somebody doubted my abilities just because I was a girl. One day in school, my PE teacher told me I couldn’t be a part of the team because I was a girl and hence, wouldn't be up to the mark. Determined to prove him wrong, I practiced for a year and not only got into the team but also ended up becoming the captain. My father passed away when I was a child, and my mother single-handedly raised me. I remember watching her struggle to provide for us. The villagers, instead of helping out a single mother, doubted her abilities and made things tougher for her. But she always persevered. Her resolve and determination had a lasting impact on me. When I moved to Delhi to study and become a journalist, I soon realized that this wouldn’t satisfy my desire to pursue a unique, unexplored path. So, when I came across an advertisement for private detectives and I decided to turn up for the interview. As soon as I wrapped up my first case, I knew that I had found my calling. I soon made a name for myself in the field and opened my own agency. Even now, when new clients come to me, some of them are doubtful when they see a woman sitting in this chair, but many others feel they can trust a woman much more than a man. Having proved so many doubters wrong, I truly believe there is no job a woman can’t do, if she believes in herself and doesn't let others’ opinions hold her back.”
Mehrunnisha Shokat Ali, Bouncer
“I grew up in an extremely conservative family, consisting of my parents, 3 sisters and 2 brothers. As the girls of the house, we were expected to do the household chores, get married young and stick to the path that had been followed by all the women in our family for generations. But that never felt right to me. I wanted to become a policewoman. The power, the respect and the ability to protect others really appealed to me. But my father was against the idea and despite several pleas he refused to budge. I started losing hope and tried to move on from this pipe dream. When I was 16, I came to Delhi with my little brother for his audition at a singing reality show. There, I saw bouncers for the first time, handling the crowd and keeping everyone safe. I realized this could be the way for me to finally live a part of my dream. I was always an active child and enjoyed spending time at my father’s gym. When I walked up to the bouncers and told them I wanted to do what they did, they saw my well-built physique and gave me a chance. My father once again opposed, but this time I was determined to fight for it. Eventually, he came around and I became the first female bouncer in the bustling lanes of Hauz Khas – Delhi’s popular nightlife spot. The male bouncers didn’t accept me as their equals and even male patrons at the bars used to misbehave with me. They mocked me and questioned how I could be a bouncer if I couldn’t defend myself against them. However, their words never bothered me. My only concern, then and now, is to protect girls and make sure nobody misbehaves with them. I take great pride in this responsibility. I have been a bouncer for more than 10 years now, and I have worked hard to prove my mettle and earn my due respect. I have also encouraged many young girls, including my little sister, to overcome their fears and take up this profession. Now, when I walk into the club, men view me with respect and girls feel safer seeing a woman bouncer.”
Nitasha Biswas, Transgender Model
“I often think of my life in two parts, before 28th August 2017, and after 28th August 2017. The before part is all about growing up in a strict household, feeling disconnected with who society wanted me to be. I felt more at peace with my girl friends, and wearing my mother’s make-up and sarees. I googled and looked up international trans women like Caroline Cossey, and watching them thrive being their true selves filled me with hope. My father, being an IAS officer, wanted me to sit for competitive exams and choose a more traditional, more stable career. But I was determined to follow my dreams of venturing into the fashion industry. So, I decided to leave behind everything I knew and moved to New Delhi with one goal - to live the life I always dreamt of. I started my HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) treatment, I met new people who gave me love and respect, and I even had a book written about my journey. But I was still waiting for that big moment when things would finally fall into place. Then, I came across an online ad about India’s first transgender beauty pageant. I decided to enter on whim, not expecting anything, and with no knowledge of how my life was about to change forever. On 28th August 2017, I was crowned India’s First Trans Queen. Overnight, I got acclaim, acceptance, and a chance to live my dreams. My father, who had initially shunned me when I started transitioning, called me home and welcomed me with open arms. He even proudly introduced me to his colleagues and friends. I got a chance to win laurels for my country at an international stage. However, there is still a long way to go to changing people’s misconceptions about transgender people. There is still so much discrimination and hatred. I want people to realise that the world is changing and moving forward. It is time to unlearn what the previous generations have taught you and open your mind. The universe is evolving, we are evolving, and I am the evolution.”
Here's to more power, love and support to these women who embody the spirit of Nayi Dilli. We wish them and every other woman a very Happy Women’s Day.
