Gender Equality and Patriarchy: A Study of Attia Hosain’s Sunlight on a Broken Column with Special Reference to Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The gender of an individual across caste, creed, religion and geography immensely shaped their socio-political and economic circumstances. The assumption of biological sex-based difference over ages solidified into social and cultural practices that ultimately gave birth to gender prejudices, barriers and discrimination. They systematically penetrated and into areas of education, health, economic opportunities and individual autonomy, resulting in Gender inequality. Gender studies, post-1990 subjugated such institutionalized ideasto great intellectual stress and challenged discrimination based on gender identity through counter narrative of equality. The movement under the aegis of United Nations goals for sustainable development are aligned to establish equality in gender and empower all girls and women. The aim is to amend the social, historical wrongs, as women form a large part of the economy, skilled labour, and the world. They strive equivocally towards equality, providing all opportunities and resources to individuals irrespective of gender. This paper seeks to emulate these concerns and embody the principles in the context of Sunlight on a Broken Column (1961) a semi-autobiographical novel set against the backdrop of partition with women at its centre and receiving end. It entails the life narrative of Laila, its fifteen-year-old orphaned protagonist, navigating her individuality through the patriarchal terrain of aristocracy and conservative Muslim family over two decades. The oppressive practices of 'Purdah' and 'Zenana' stifle her 'movement" and freedom in 'choice of marriage', ultimately rendering her an outcast. Her attempt at 'education' is often criticized, and her wish to obtain financial independence through economic aspects becomes a subject of great quarrel. Unfortunately, the above-stated aspects continue to pervade and constrain gender justice even to this day, thus making the novel a potential mirror to critique society.