Fatima Sana Shaikh discussed how patriarchy and social conditioning force women to prove themselves regardless of their achievements or position. She said patriarchy is internalised by both men and women and stressed the need to challenge deeply ingrained biases. Recalling meetings where she was the only woman, she said women’s perspectives are often dismissed or explained to them.

Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh opened up about patriarchy and the conditioning women face in society while speaking at the trailer launch of JioHotstar’s upcoming web series Hunkkaar: The Roar. The series stars Aneet Padda, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Raghubir Yadav, Zoya Hussain and Zeeshan Ayyub.

Speaking about how patriarchy continues to influence women’s lives, Fatima said that women often have to begin by proving themselves, regardless of their position or achievements.

“You know, unfortunately, this is our truth as women, that we start from two steps back. So, no matter which room you are in, no matter what position you are in, power, in a hierarchy, it doesn't matter. Because this is the conditioning of society,” she said.

Fatima further explained that the issue is not about women lacking intelligence or knowing what they want, but about the way society is structured. “It's not that we are not deserving, we don't know what we want, we are intelligent. But society is wired in such a way that it doesn't give you a chance, it tells you to wait a minute, first prove yourself,” she added.