From Oppression toResistanсe:Gender Disсrimination in “Lipstiсk Under My Burkha” and “Provoked”

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56815/IRJAHS/2025.V(2025)I2.26-27

Abstract

This essay presents an in-depth analysis of gender discrimination and female resistance as depicted
in the biographical film ‘Provoked’ (2006) and the Indian film ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’
(2016). Both narratives showcase the inherent oppression that women undergo within patriarchal
societies, even as they belong to differing environs—namely, the modern city and country of India,
as opposed to the South Asian diaspora settled within the United Kingdom.A discussion on how
the societal perpetuation of a gender bias will be shaped, taking into consideration factors of
societal mandates, financial reliance, sexual restraint, moral mandates, and spouse abuse will also
be examined. In addition, it also aims at understanding how these women defy societal mandates
against them as they strive to gain control.