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As the world marks International Women’s Day on March 8, Balika Vadhu fame actress Roop Durgapal, who is set to make her OTT debut with Sankalp, shared what the day truly means to her.
“Women’s Day, for me, is a celebration and recognition of the power, strength, and values that women bring to society,” she said. “It is also a moment to reflect on how far we have come after centuries of struggle, and how much more there still is to achieve. At the same time, it reminds us that the true essence of being a woman should never be diluted or compromised.”
Talking about the idea of empowerment, Roop believes the meaning has evolved over time. “For me, empowerment means the ability to make my own decisions, having equal opportunities, feeling safe and secure on my own, and being financially stable. As society changes, the definition of empowerment also evolves. Women today have come a long way.”
She also highlighted the importance of financial independence, calling it one of the greatest strengths for women. “It’s simple — money is power. The term ‘man of the house’ traditionally referred to the person who brought in the income, which automatically meant security and authority. While there are still gaps in earnings between men and women, the real goal is not to compete with men but to ensure that women become financially independent in their own right.”
According to Roop, the awareness around equality has already begun, but real change starts at home. “Women are an equally important part of society, and this belief needs to be deeply ingrained in the minds of both boys and girls from a young age. The responsibility lies with parents, because what children learn at home eventually reflects in society. The change truly begins at home.”
However, she acknowledged that gender bias continues to exist in everyday life. “For example, women often have to be more cautious while stepping out at night because they could be targeted as the more vulnerable gender. While it is necessary for safety, it still stems from gender bias. Because certain men cannot be taught to behave, women are expected to remain hyper-vigilant. Yet we do it for our own protection.”
Roop also pointed out that women today are making their presence felt across every field. “We see women leading large corporations, running successful small businesses, shining in showbiz, and also proudly embracing the role of homemakers. They are not ‘just housewives’; they are the ones who build and nurture homes and make life meaningful.”
“We have inspiring women everywhere — from Smriti Mandhana and PV Sindhu in sports to Priyanka Chopra in entertainment, and pioneers like Sunita Williams and Ananya Birla. Women today are inspiring the world in every sphere,” Roop concluded.
