Deanna in Mumbai

It was very easy to become overwhelmed with the culture upon arrival. At first, "women empowerment" was defined within my own ethnocentrism. I found myself comparing the local traditions to ideals thousands of miles away. Within a few hours, I decided to observe rather than perceive and judge.
Indian women have found empowerment in three environments--urban slums, remote rural areas, and urban educated areas. Though the processes differ from those utilized in the United States, the outcome is powerful.
Progressive non-profit organizations have challenged the traditional patriarchy by focusing on children's education. More specifically, women of various statuses and careers volunteer at the NGO Akanksha (shown right). Akanksha focuses on children from low-income areas and provides them with opportunities to change their futures; activities include thoroughly learning English, exploring artistic expression, and socializing with different individuals. Over a long period of time, the program has a positive effect on a child's self-esteem and chances of becoming a more successful person. Prior research had aquainted me with the ubiquity of low-income education. However, I was very impressed and emotionally touched by the children's enthusiasm and volunteers' dedication. Without a doubt, the experience was much more profound than reading a few articles.
Another aspect of interest was the general temperment of the local women.
While maintaining traditional femininity, the urban educated women here at SIMSR (shown right) spoke eloquently and intelligently. They held interesting conversations and expressed their myriad experiences relevant to the current topic. For example, most women had professional jobs while participating in NGO projects and maintaining a healthy family life. Just conversing with these women made me feel lazy and unaccomplished, in effect inspiring me to take on more responsibilities.
The cultural dedication to social responsibility prevailed throughout in Mumbai. Whether it was the hospitality of the staff or the passion of the volunteers, I am both impressed and beguiled. If I can take anything back to the States, it will be the message of social responsibility.

My questions thus far are as follows:
*How do other Indian women portray their femininity in harmony with their empowerment?
*How do brothers/fathers/husbands feel about women's success?
*What messages from society are most noticable/prevalent to you, as an educated urbanized woman? (For example, images portrayed in media, general stereotypes and biases, news reports.)
*What issues are most important to you? (Examples, politics, gender equality, education, finances)
I'm sure some of these will be answered along the way. Still, I'm excited to learn.