Shobhaa De spoke her mind clearly at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 press conference. The famous author and columnist never holds back her opinions. She addressed true feminism and the urgent need for better gender equality. De focused especially on workplace situations where women often face unfair treatment.
Financial Independence as the Real Game-Changer
De cut straight to the core of modern feminism. She moved beyond social media hashtags and popular hot takes. According to her, financial independence serves as the real game-changer. It empowers women to break free from unfair systems. This quiet strength turns awareness into concrete action.
Imagine a woman who knows she receives less pay at work. Or picture someone facing unfair treatment at home. Hesitation often stops her from speaking up. Why does this happen? De explained the reason bluntly. "They hold back because they are not aware of their position legally, and they don’t have the resources to fight in a court of law because they’re not earning their own money," she stated.
This reality check feels sobering. Without a solid economic backbone, pushback appears risky. It seems almost impossible for many women. But De sees genuine hope on the horizon. "At the end of the day, it all comes back to being financially independent," she declared firmly. She pointed to the next generation with optimism. "I already see change unfolding. Younger women are far better placed to assert their agency."
Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies
The conversation then shifted to trendy discussions about masculine and feminine energy. De, who practices Hinduism, reframed this concept beautifully. She described it as coexistence rather than competition between genders. "I completely accept the concept of male and female energy. It’s a beautiful balance. They can’t exist in isolation," she shared thoughtfully.
Both men and women carry these energies within themselves. They can tap into these energies as needed. Imagine a world that wakes up to this harmony. "It will be a better world," De expressed with conviction.
The Relentless Pressure on Working Women
Then De addressed the raw truth about workplace struggles. Are women expected to become flawless superwomen? She did not sugarcoat her response. Pressure affects everyone, but women face a microscope at work.
"In a work environment, they look at how a woman dresses, her body language, how she negotiates," she observed keenly. When a woman secures a promotion, people rarely credit pure merit. Other reasons get whispered behind her back. "If she gets a promotion, they will attribute other reasons. They’re very reluctant to give her credit for merit," De said pointedly.
This problem extends beyond India's borders. De called out overt objectification in other countries. "America is at least two decades behind India when it comes to work environment for women," she fired back boldly.
An Authentic Voice at Nearly 80
Shobhaa De remains a powerful force at nearly eighty years old. Her latest book, 'The Sensual Self: Explorations of Love, Sex & Romance,' continues to turn heads and spark conversations. She stays outspoken and sometimes polarizing. Yet she always remains authentic and true to her beliefs.
De insists that Indian women already possess "an assertive dignity within themselves." The real challenge lies in harnessing this inner strength. Women must charge forward with confidence and determination. Her message resonates strongly in today's evolving social landscape.
