Bridging the Divide: An SDG 5 Analysis of Gender Inequality in "Mahalakshmi's Bridge"

Abstract

Krishan Chander is considered one of the prominent Urdu short story writers of the 20^th century. His short stories not only describe the psychology of the characters but also reflect the contemporary situation very well. Mahalakshmi’s Bridge is one of his representative short stories. This story highlights how society treats people differently on a gender basis and calls for more equality and understanding. Through the life of its central female characters, the story explores the emotional, social, and psychological struggles faced by women, especially in terms of societal expectations surrounding marriage, fidelity, motherhood, and widowhood. The story highlights the double standards that define the lives of men and women, especially about love, family roles, and moral judgments. The story critiques patriarchal norms and calls for a reevaluation of how society defines womanhood.