Independence after marriage

We often say, "We are open-minded. We allow women to work."

But very rarely do we pause to ask—does this openness survive after marriage?

Before marriage, independence is celebrated. After marriage, it is quietly negotiated.

Even today, when both partners earn equally, the woman is usually expected to move into the man's home, adapt to his family, and take on their responsibilities. The reverse—where a man carries equal responsibility toward the woman's family—remains rare. If roles are still this one-sided, can we honestly say equality exists?

Independence is not a phase.

It is not before or after marriage.

It is constant.

Marriage should not be about "bringing a bahu" or "welcoming a damad." It should simply be about two individuals choosing to live together—supporting each other, respecting each other's independence, and sharing responsibility toward both families.

If our idea of women's independence stops at the wedding day, then we haven't evolved—we've only adjusted to what we were denied earlier.

True progress begins when we talk about a woman's independence after marriage, not just before it.

Because equality that ends at marriage was never equality to begin with.