Sisterhood Economy: Of, By, For Wo

by Shaili Chopra

 'Shaili touches upon the most relevant issues of our times which most often are closed door conversations in a highly readable, heroic and engaging way... bringing a powerful, authentic and honest lens to women and the economy.' MASABA GUPTA

'A powerful book with many anecdotes of everyday women encountering and defeating the patriarchy, Sisterhood Economy will fill you with optimism and hope.' FAYE D'SOUZA

‘Shaili Chopra has a chatty and engrossing style of writing ... Mainstreaming of sisterhood is not just about the economy, it is also about the society India desires.’ BIBEK DEBROY
 
‘Sisterhood Economy by Shaili Chopra, is important, apt and timely. It brings to you real-life stories of the barriers women face as contributors to the economy... we are the real wealth creators and yet very little recognition of the existing barriers are discussed or resolved.’ PRIYANKA CHATURVEDI
 
‘When women rise, they lift up society. Sisterhood Economy is a deeply reflective book that explores and narrates the power of equitable ground for women.’ FALGUNI NAYAR

The new Indian woman is dreaming big and seeking change. Wanting to break from the triptych of bechari, badass or bitch, women are talking of being stronger together. What can a ground-up sisterhood of determined women mean for a country like ours and just how can it unleash and harness the dormant economic potential of half the country’s population?
 
This book is a power-packed insight into the lives of the women of the world’s largest democracy who are struggling every single day to get their voice heard, presence felt, and make their economics matter. Shaili Chopra puts a fresh lens to what’s powering or stopping women to seize the opportunity ahead of them, by talking to more than five hundred different women (and men), across classes, castes, cities, ages, ambitions and desires. Can the mother-in-law trigger change in a country’s GDP? What are beauty parlour economics? Are women claiming independence and can intimacy drive better economic outcomes? Why are single women rocking it?
 
Sisterhood Economy makes a bold, empathetic, and collective call for women to believe in their transformative abilities and put themselves first. Wrapped in emotional anecdotes and stories, this book is deeply authentic and essential reading for anyone looking to understand women beyond statistics.
 
India could do a lot better if only it treated its women better. How difficult can that be? 
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, India

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2022

Reviews

[Romita Mukherjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Sisterhood Economy”, Shaili puts forth an insightful account of the true scenario concerning women in India. Every dimension and aspect is analyzed in detail, speculating the probable reasons as well as the possible actions that can be taken in order to counteract the particular aspect.

Shaili provides us with a different lens to understand women as well as their situation and also urges us to introspect and realize the power we hold within us. The best part was the collection of stories that the author has shared after interacting with a number of different men and women from across the world which gave a raw edge to this account.

I am so glad that I got an opportunity to read this important account because it made me aware of so many amazing women who have fought against all odds and taken a stand for themselves. I would really recommend all of you pick up this book and give it a read.

[Dhwani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the cliff notes version of the condition of women in India - gets you the facts but is very dry and can feel abrupt at times with its broad, generalised sweeping opinions stated as truth. Getting through this was difficult since I'd already read Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh by Shrayana Bhattacharya (which is absolutely brilliant) and is a more nuanced take on the state of women in India.

[Shruti Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to Shaili in person talking about her book and then reading it and loving it so much was a journey I will always have great memories of.
This book talks about reality. There were a stunning number of topics that I never thought of because of being brought up in a relatively modern family.
This book will make for a great book club read and brew really interesting conversations.

[Rehana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This year has been a good year for non fiction as far as I know. Because most of the books that I read in 2022 were non fictions and all of them were great.

Sisterhood economy is another great one in the genre written for all, irrespective of gender. The book covers the plight of women in the society during both the olden and modern times. The author subtly makes a point on how only the dates in our calendars have changed, which means nothing for most women who are always duty bound and smothered with unreal expectations.

The book speaks volumes about women’s health, personal rights, freedom of choice and it just doesn’t stop with that. It feels like reading our own thoughts on paper covering every possible arena like the problems in/by marriage, health care, work opportunities, self esteem, body image, home makers, sex workers, pregnancy and much more. It’s not just talking about the issues alone, but also the author emphasises its value on the global and national economy.

Pros: It’s a great feministic work combining women’s situation and the economic growth in the country and globally.
All of the above mentioned points in the description of the book.
It’s written in an engrossing manner instead of being just plain because that’s what most readers assume about non fictions.
There were footnotes with references and additional information.
I was happy to read stories of successful and struggling women who were not so popular but are meant to be in all ways.

Cons: As much as I loved the book, I was also saddened with almost nil representation of women from health care or law making when compared to entertainment industry.
I wish the research were more accurate when mentioning the facts relating to medical education and health care.

My review: 4/5


Must read for all men and women!

[Charu Veluthoor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice anecdotal references and great reminder of the different kinds of lives of Indian women specifically. Some great food for thought, but the book overall doesn't drive home a strong point or narrative and is a bit too free flowing, and I kindof lost track of the author's thoughts.

[Ambalika Dwivedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every bit of it! Gave me goosebumps on multiple occasions. Shaili Chopra is a star.