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“She’s Not Your Rival, She’s Your Reflection”
Aishwarya and Vipasha are sisters, but their worlds couldn’t be more different. Aishwarya, the older sister, is everything that their parents dreamed of: academically successful, well-behaved, married to a stable and well-respected man, and always seen as the ideal, the one who has it all together. As Vipasha’s parents always say, Aishwarya is the “Yash Raj ki heroine,” the perfect embodiment of success, grace, and traditional values. On the other hand, Vipasha, the younger, is the complete opposite. She’s a wild spirit, living for the present, constantly chasing after excitement, and indulging in a lifestyle that doesn’t fit the mold her family has set for her. She’s white-washed, wanting to…
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“Passed Down Pride: How Family Comparisons Shaped My Competitive Mindset”
Two Sisters, One Story Told Two Different Ways Meera and Diya. In the eyes of their extended family, they couldn’t have been more different. Meera was the poster child for “how a beti should be.”Married at the right time, in the right outfit, to the right man. A corporate success with the “perfect” smile. Her photos were the kind that got printed and framed in the living room. Diya was… chaos, according to them.Loud, vibrant, independent. Too many parties, too many piercings, too many questions. Tattoos, cropped tops, and an open refusal to get married. The irony? They were both just trying to survive a system that told them their…
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“Success vs. Sisterhood: Are South Asian Women Trained to Compete Instead of Collaborate?”
We’ve all heard the saying:“There’s room for everyone at the top.”But what if, deep down, we were taught the opposite? As a South Asian woman, I often felt like I was walking a tightrope — trying to climb toward success while secretly scanning the room to see who else was climbing… and whether they were ahead of me. It’s subtle. It’s quiet. But it’s there.That unspoken tension between sisterhood and success. A Culture of Comparison Disguised as Ambition In so many South Asian households, ambition is encouraged — but with a twist. We’re told to work hard, be number one, and make our families proud. But alongside that drive comes…
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“Unlearning Internalized Judgment: How I Stopped Looking Down on Other Women to Feel Better About Myself”
Let’s get real for a second — have you ever mentally judged another woman just to feel a little better about yourself? Maybe she was too loud, too quiet, too bold, too carefree. Maybe she dressed “too Western” or “too traditional.” Maybe she made choices you wouldn’t — and instead of curiosity, you felt… superiority. I’ll say it: I’ve been there. And it wasn’t because I was a bad person — it was because I was hurting. Because deep down, I thought if I could put another woman down even silently, I could convince myself that I was doing okay. But the truth? It never made me feel better. It…
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“From Comparison to Compassion: My Journey as a South Asian Woman Learning to Uplift, Not Tear Down”
Let’s have a real moment — have you ever caught yourself scrolling through another South Asian woman’s post and thinking, “Wow, she’s really got it all together… what am I even doing with my life?” Yeah, me too. There was a time I didn’t just compare — I measured my worth against other women’s wins. Whether it was academic success, flawless skin, career growth, or marriage milestones, I had this invisible scoreboard running in my mind. And without realizing it, I was tearing myself down… and silently tearing other women down with it. Where Comparison Begins For many of us, comparison doesn’t come out of nowhere. It starts young.From the…
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Am I Competing or Just Surviving? Navigating Hidden Rivalries Among South Asian Women
Let’s be honest — have you ever walked into a room full of South Asian women and immediately felt this weird tension? Like there’s this silent, unspoken checklist ticking away…🌟 Who’s more successful?🌟 Who’s dressed better?🌟 Who’s living the ideal life? It’s exhausting. But here’s the deeper question: Are we truly competing with each other, or are we just trying to survive in a system that made us feel like there’s only room for one? The Hidden Pressure Cookers We Never Talk About From childhood, many of us were fed this subtle messaging: “Be the best. Look your best. Don’t fall behind.” Whether it was about grades, looks, marriage, or…
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The Role of Online Communities for Women Observing Ramadan Alone
Ramadan is a time for deep reflection, spiritual growth, and community. However, for many women, especially those living alone or away from family, observing Ramadan can come with challenges. These challenges can range from feeling disconnected from the communal aspects of the month to experiencing a lack of support during the long fasting days. Thankfully, the rise of online communities has provided a space for women to connect, support each other, and share in the spiritual journey of Ramadan, no matter where they are. The Importance of Online Communities Examples from Real Life: How to Engage in Online Communities During Ramadan Conclusion For women observing Ramadan alone, online communities serve…
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From Stardom to Sisterhood: How Hania Aamir Uses Instagram to Build a Relatable Brand
Hania’s instagram ID: @haniahehe Hania Aamir is a prominent figure in the Pakistani entertainment industry, and her influence extends beyond the screen and onto social media, particularly Instagram. Her presence isn’t just about showcasing her star status; it’s a carefully cultivated space where she fosters a sense of relatability and genuine connection with her followers, often described as a “sisterhood.” This case study explores how Hania Aamir leverages Instagram to build this relatable brand, examining her strategies, their effectiveness, and what aspiring influencers can learn. The Hania Aamir Approach: Authenticity and Connection Hania’s Instagram presence is characterized by a blend of professionalism and genuine personality. She masterfully weaves these…
Daughters of Strength, Bosses by Choice