Over the years, women have been subjected to gas lighting and have become desensitized to the condescending portrayal of themselves in the media through the male gaze. Women in positions of power are often seen through the lens of patriarchy, focusing on their external appearance rather than their thoughts and capabilities. News reports frequently emphasize what a female leader wears for an event and how their clothing choices enhance their physical beauty.
A photograph capturing the meeting between Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, the Chief of Biocon, and President Draupadi Murmu of India grabbed headlines in a prominent financial daily. The article went on to meticulously describe the attire of both leaders. It stated, “The biotech chief opted for an elegant purple silk saree adorned with gold ‘kalka’ motif embroidery and a peach-pink zari border, complemented by a pearl necklace. In contrast, President Murmu chose a more straightforward ensemble, featuring a sky-blue saree with a zari border and a vibrant yellow blouse.”
This situation prompts us to ponder whether a man in a position of power would ever receive such scrutiny for his attire during a meeting. It also raises the question of whether a reporter would take notice and report on what Ratan Tata, for example, wore when meeting the Prime Minister to discuss business or the future of India.
The undeniable reality is that there would hardly be a mention of the colour a man chooses to wear, the accessories he pairs, or his dressing style—whether he dresses up or dresses down. This illustrates the prevailing gender bias and the enduring expectations placed on women over the years, often in silence.
The situation only changes if a man in a powerful position startles onlookers by wearing something unconventional, like a skirt, to a meeting. Aside from such exceptions, discussions about a man’s clothing choices or his appearance are almost non-existent. He can choose to be unkempt and unshaven without much consequence.
In contrast, women in positions of power often feel compelled to select clothing that makes them appear strong and competent among their male colleagues. Consequently, women inadvertently conform to the skewed feminine expectation of not appearing overly feminine while also avoiding an overly masculine appearance, all in an effort to avoid intimidating their male colleagues and peers, all the while skilfully retaining their gender identity.
In the realm of the entertainment industry, Ranveer Singh stands out as the lone Indian male actor who, to date, has exhibited the courage to challenge traditional gender norms by wearing a skirt for a campaign. His bold fashion choices sparked online trolling, garnered attention, and prompted discussions about his androgynous fashion sense. Notably, he took it a step further by shedding all his clothes for a photoshoot, posing in the nude. It’s evident that Deepika Padukone, his wife, would likely never consider such a move, and if she did attempt such a publicity stunt, she would not escape criticism.
In contrast, President Draupadi Murmu holds the distinction of being the first tribal President of our country, while Kiran Mazumdar Shaw is an iconic figure, leading a business empire without any family inheritance. Both are self-made women who serve as inspirational figures. Their stories offer hope to a society where women can carve their paths to success through determination and resilience, even in the male-dominated spheres of politics and business.
The joy of dressing for oneself is a fundamental pleasure for most individuals. However, despite this, women often grapple with a lack of autonomy when it comes to their clothing choices as a means of self-expression. A closer examination reveals that women continue to face judgment based on tired and clichéd notions of how men perceive decency in women, primarily related to their clothing choices. Frequently, men express a desire for women to wear attire that accentuates their bodies.
Within this context, the notion of the “perfect” hourglass figure for women persists, and women, in turn, feel self-conscious about their bodies, fearing judgment if they don’t conform to the traditional male gaze’s expectations. Consequently, many women opt not to draw attention to their bodies.
Even women in positions of power often grapple with the fear of not being taken seriously, concerned that their clothing choices may lead to being viewed as frivolous or easily dismissed. In 2019, India’s Lok Sabha witnessed the highest-ever number of women leaders. However, with only 78 women out of the total leadership, they still constituted a mere 14%. The percentage of women in the Rajya Sabha in 2020 was also around 10.2%, showing a gradual increase in women’s participation in political leadership.
It’s now imperative to shift our focus towards recognizing women’s accomplishments rather than scrutinizing their clothing choices or physical appearance. For women, the ongoing dilemma persists: if they appear beautiful, they risk being perceived as frivolous and irrelevant; conversely, if they do not conform to society’s beauty standards, they face criticism and judgment. These double standards persist.
Mohua Chinappa is an author and runs a podcast called The Mohua Show.