Shweta Tripathi: We’ve come this far not just because of women, but also because of supportive men

Shweta Tripathi has spoken out in support of greater representation and equal opportunity, weighing in on conversations around the Women’s Reservation Bill. For her, meaningful change lies not just in policy, but in mindset. “Personally, I think it’s very important that we learn from our past and remain hopeful about the future,” she says. Reflecting on systemic gaps, she adds, “Earlier, opportunities were not given equally. Even in education, girls were often not encouraged the same way as boys. This is not a competition between genders, but there has to be equal opportunity.”A question of balanceShweta stresses that representation must extend across sectors. “There is a saying ‘women own half the sky’. There needs to be a balance in representation across education, jobs and governance,” she says. For her, financial independence is central to that shift. “As a financially independent woman, I feel that financial independence is very important. It gives you power and agency over your own life,” says Shweta. Claiming space, not competingAccess, she believes, is the real game changer. “If opportunities are given equally, you will automatically start seeing a difference in academics, in workplaces, everywhere,” she notes. She is equally clear about the idea of space. “Taking up space is important. We are not taking away someone else’s space; we are claiming what is ours. This is not about being better than men,” she says, adding, “We have come this far not just because of women, but also because of supportive men who have enabled change.”Change begins with usWhile policy can pave the way, Shweta underlines the role of individual action. “We shouldn’t wait for superheroes to bring change. We have to be our own superheroes,” she signs off.