Rakul Preet Singh: We need more male feminists to see a real change

A positive change that one can notice in storytelling in every format of entertainment is that it is based on the female gaze. With the many conversations around women's empowerment, actress Rakul Preet Singh believes that men have to join the feminist movement to bring about a bigger change in leadership positions.

The Chhatriwali expressed this view at the FICCI Frames 2023 forum alongside filmmakers and producers of Hindi entertainment to address the issues that women face at workplaces.

Rakul said, "Everyone talks about women's empowerment and that every woman should be a feminist. I believe that a bigger change will take place when we see men promoting feminism and practising it in their everyday lives. We need more male feminists. We need more men in society who are willing to believe that men and women should be given equal opportunities in every field to work, grow, and achieve every dream possible. So, it is a request to all the men to push the women in your lives and be feminists to bring about change."

Seconding her thought, Aparna Purohit, Head of India Originals, Amazon Prime Video, said, "I think one of the most important factors in bringing about change is allowing the female voice to come out: listen to us, just listen! I remember once when a female colleague came back to the office after a week's gap and said that her child's illness and other personal issues forced her to take the leave of absence. Upon hearing this, a male colleague started making hand gestures, suggesting, 'Here she goes again'. I was really irritated because she needs to talk since, for the longest time, her voice was unheard. It is important to listen to her story and the stories of all those women who never got a chance to speak. At times, listening and understanding change people's perspectives. It is important to include us, our voice, our point of view, and be there for us."

Adding to the same thought, filmmaker Ashwini Iyer Tiwari shared how some questions and mindsets need to change.

The Nil Battey Sannata, Bareilly Ki Barfi, and Faadu maker said, "Being a mother of two, I am often asked who takes care of the children's homework? I am always amused and reply politely, 'Their father!' I think these are the questions and mindsets that need to change. The day a woman's voice is given equal importance and their efforts are acknowledged, allowing her to lead because she is capable will bring about the actual change."

"And it cannot happen by women alone; more men should acknowledge the decisions of women so that they can lead. It is always like a counter that women have to face, and that should stop with acceptance of a woman's voice," the director said, signing off.