• Content May 2025,  Mental Health South Asian Women

    “What Will People Say?”: The Role of Shame and Honor in Policing Women’s Emotions

    In many South Asian households, decisions aren’t just about what’s right or wrong — they’re about what people will think. That five-word question, “What will people say?” isn’t just a phrase. It’s a rule. A threat. A leash. And when it comes to women, it’s one of the strongest tools used to control their emotions, behavior, and autonomy. Because for South Asian women, it’s never just about how they feel — it’s about how their feelings reflect on their family’s izzat (honor). Izzat Culture: Where Reputation Trumps Reality The concept of izzat is deeply woven into South Asian cultures — from India and Pakistan to Bangladesh, Nepal, and even diaspora…