The subject area of feminism, women’s rights and gender equality is one that can both unite and divide, with many differing opinions and conflicting ideas. Any person’s perception of feminism and gender is usually intertwined with family, culture and community, and often much more complex than simple labels allow. “A Hindu woman wears a bindi” cannot possibly define everything about the place of women and gender in both our ancient philosophy and our modern world.
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Many feminist narratives can lean towards the rejection of anything that is seen as ‘traditional’, but through that approach are we losing the opportunity to explore aspects of our culture that could have something to offer, old ways that have been lost yet have never been more relevant? Hindu culture has core principles but it is not a static ideology – within it, can a new generation reconcile a connection to tradition whilst embracing the contemporary?

‍Beyond the Bindi captures authentic perspectives from those of Hindu heritage living in the UK and USA. Through these stories, we hope to generate further discussion and contribute to the ongoing narrative around women’s rights, feminism, femininity and womanhood. We feel we can better understand the modern world by providing a perspective that has previously not been sought.

"Dare to be Different"