Mayaa SH, an acclaimed Indian authoress, poet, and activist, encourages all individuals for personal and societal transformation. Her philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that every individual deserves dignity and has the inherent capacity to “Rise and Shine Like A Star Again.” Mayaa SH is a fervent women’s rights activist, a “Women Empowerment Culturist,” and a “Gender Equality Exponent.” Her work consistently addresses the double exploitation of women in Indian society, advocating for their intellectual power and challenging patriarchal norms. She emphasizes the importance of women’s liberation and their right to make their own life decisions, free from societal judgments.
Mayaa SH’s ideology promotes a positive view of feminism, linking it deeply to human rights and striving to dismantle structural rigidities of patriarchy. She has gained recognition in a diverse array of fields, primarily centered around literature, women’s empowerment, social activism, and mental health advocacy. Her multifaceted career reflects a strong commitment to social change and the upliftment of marginalized communities, particularly women.
In a candid conversation, the Firebrand Feminist Mayaa SH speaks on self-help books, growth mindset, reforms in matrimonial law, and more.
What is your main idea of authoring self-help books?
My main idea behind authoring self-help books is to empower individuals, particularly women, by fostering self-belief, resilience, and personal growth, enabling them to overcome societal limitations and achieve their full potential. I aim to provide practical guidance and inspiration to navigate life’s challenges, address mental health issues, and break free from cycles of abuse and disempowerment.
My commitment to exploring themes of self-belief, motivation, and the empowerment of women has always been pivotal in curating any literary piece. A central theme for me is the cultivation of self-belief and self-confidence. I do assert and continue to emphasize that these internal strengths are vital for women to retain their identity, assert themselves in society, and overcome obstacles.
The focus of my books is designed to rekindle hope and self-belief in those who have lost it, asserting that the spark of self-confidence never truly extinguishes. This focus on inner strength is particularly relevant for survivors of domestic violence, who often experience a significant loss of self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.
The books are designed as a self-help guide, offering insights and inspiration for personal growth and resilience, particularly for women seeking to rediscover themselves and channel their inner strengths. I do champion the idea that women are not passive entities but active agents of change, capable of intellectual prowess and leadership.
What according to you is a growth mindset and how can women be empowered?
Cultivating a growth mindset, particularly for women, involves a fundamental shift in perspective from viewing abilities as fixed to seeing them as malleable and capable of development through effort and dedication. This mindset is crucial for overcoming challenges, fostering resilience, and achieving personal and professional success.
Many women are conditioned to believe they need to “Be More, Do More, and Give More,” often viewing personal growth as an additive process to prove their worth. However, a growth mindset encourages redefining personal growth as a removal process, letting go of beliefs, behaviors, and obligations that no longer serve them. This involves acknowledging that one is already enough and worthy, rather than striving for external validation or an “improved” version of themselves.
Instead of viewing failures, mistakes, and disappointments as crippling setbacks, a growth mindset encourages seeing them as opportunities for growth and improvement. This means being open to exciting challenges, seeking feedback for improvement, and understanding that mistakes are not detrimental unless one fails to learn from them.
For women, this can be particularly empowering in fields like STEM, where stereotypes might otherwise lead to a fixed mindset about their abilities. By reframing struggles and setbacks, women can build resilience and a stronger belief in their capacity to learn and adapt.
How do you view your many wins at the national level with National Awards?
I view my many wins not merely as personal accolades but as powerful platforms to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and inspire social change. To me, these are a testament to my unwavering commitment to social justice and a call to action for others to participate in creating a more equitable society.
My ideology regarding the same is multifaceted, reflecting my dedication to women’s rights, social justice, and the empowerment of individuals. I do tend to assert consistently that these recognitions serve a greater purpose beyond personal achievement. I believe that this provides a platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
The recognition is to draw attention to critical social issues, particularly those affecting women in Indian society, such as double exploitation based on race and gender. By highlighting these issues, one can aim to inspire others to engage in social reform and contribute to building a more equitable society.
A core tenet of my philosophy is instilling the power of self-belief in individuals, especially women. I endeavour via self-help books to promote an exponential growth mindset. This serves as validation of one’s efforts to empower women to stand for their convictions and achieve their aspirations, regardless of societal odds.
The upliftment of weaker sections of society through education and empowerment, aligning my work with the vision of a classless society free from oppression, is pivotal. This is a mandate for “Call to Action for Collective Responsibility.” Rather than viewing awards as an endpoint, I consider them a call to action for everyone to participate in creating positive change within their communities.
This stresses the importance of collective responsibility in addressing societal challenges and believes that recognition can motivate young activists and leaders to persevere in their commitment to social justice. My work, including writings and podcasts, consistently aims to raise awareness about important social, political, and cultural issues, providing a platform for marginalized voices and challenging societal norms.
What in your viewpoint is the biggest reform required in matrimonial law in India?
The current legal landscape in India is characterized by diverse personal laws governing marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance for different religious communities, such as Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Parsis. While significant reforms have been made within these individual personal laws, particularly the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, the existence of separate codes creates inconsistencies and often leads to discriminatory practices, especially against women.
In my view, the biggest reform required in matrimonial law in India is the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) that harmonizes personal laws across all religions, ensuring gender justice, equality, and efficiency in matrimonial disputes. This would address the current disparities and complexities arising from religion-specific civil codes and move towards a more equitable legal framework for all citizens.
A UCC would ensure that all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliation, are subject to the same laws concerning marriage, divorce, alimony, child custody, and property division, thereby promoting true gender equality. The 2023 amendments to divorce laws in India aimed to address gender bias, promoting equitable treatment in alimony, child custody, and property division, but these changes are primarily within Hindu law. A UCC would extend these principles universally.
A UCC would simplify the legal framework, making the process of divorce, maintenance claims, and property distribution more straightforward and efficient for all citizens. The emphasis on speedier divorce proceedings and the waiver of cooling-off periods, as seen in recent Supreme Court rulings, highlight the judiciary’s intent to expedite matrimonial cases. A UCC would further enhance this efficiency by providing a unified set of rules.
Article 44 of the Indian Constitution advocates for a Uniform Civil Code, aiming to secure justice and equality for all citizens. The Supreme Court has, on several occasions, highlighted the need for a UCC to uphold the secular fabric of the nation and ensure that fundamental rights are equally applicable to everyone.
The evolution of society, including urbanization, migration, and the advent of technology and social media, has introduced new dimensions to matrimonial disputes, such as digital evidence and online harassment. While the Law Commission of India has acknowledged the need for legal reforms to address these new challenges, a fragmented legal system makes it difficult to implement comprehensive solutions. A UCC would provide a cohesive framework to tackle these contemporary issues effectively.
In conclusion, while reforms within existing personal laws are valuable, the overarching need is for a Uniform Civil Code to create a truly equitable, efficient, and constitutionally compliant matrimonial legal system in India.
Lordess Durga is an epitome of multiple forms. How do you balance your diverse roles in life – personal, professional, and social?
Many women identify with Lordess Durga as a belief in gender equality and an awareness of contemporary gender discrimination at both interpersonal and societal levels. Lordess Durga is symbolic of balance and immense power. This advocates for women’s rights and aims to address issues such as sexism, discrimination, and social injustice. This belief system empowers all women, including me, to recognize one’s value, assert one’s identity, and engage in collective action against oppressive structures.
Lordess Durga plays a crucial role in shaping woman identity by providing the tools for self-awareness, empowerment, and collective action against discrimination. The interplay between individual experiences, cognitive appraisals, social identity dynamics, and sociocultural factors creates a complex landscape where women’s identities are formed and expressed through the lens of feminism. This is fundamentally intertwined with woman identity as it provides a framework through which women can understand their experiences, assert their rights, and challenge societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality.
This continues to give us the zeal to continue our journey. At an individual level, I encourage women to find inner strength, make independent decisions, and overcome emotional dependency. This aligns with the narrative of Lordess Durga, who, in the Devi Mahatmya, emerges as a collective force of divine energy from the angered gods to defeat the seemingly invincible demon Mahishasura. Lordess Durga’s victory symbolizes the triumph of inner strength and righteous power over adversity.
I emphasize the importance of women recognizing their own worth and potential, encouraging them to make their own choices and effect social change, much like Lordess Durga has inspired strength and self-reliance in all of us. My birth name is Shivani, a name for Goddess Parvati, who is an incarnation of Goddess Durga and the consort of Lord Shiva. This has perhaps related to me to always overcome formidable demons and challenges in life with unwavering resolve. Lordess Durga recognizes the power of women’s voices in shaping narratives and driving change in contemporary society.
What, according to you, is the advice to aspiring writers who look up to your journey, and how do you envision your legacy as a writer and cultural voice?
My recommendation to aspiring writers would likely be centered on the importance of finding and amplifying one’s unique voice, particularly in advocating for social change and challenging established norms. I would like to stress the need for writers to be deeply connected to their subject matter, combining intellectual understanding with emotional conviction. The significance of perseverance, continuous self-improvement, and the courage to address sensitive topics with precision and empathy is a must. Always delve into your own unique experiences and perspectives, as this is where true originality and impact lie.
My vision is deeply rooted in the belief that literature is a powerful tool for social reflection and transformation. Any work is not merely about highlighting issues but about inspiring change and advocating for a more equitable society. All one can aim is to leave an anecdote to further empower women to recognize their self-worth, make their own choices, and effect social change. This includes promoting economic and social freedom, challenging patriarchal norms, and addressing critical issues like gender bias, the gender pay gap, and gender-based violence.
By creating a psychological and spiritual environment where men and women can interact on equal footing, fostering a society where all legal, social, and economic barriers to women’s empowerment are removed is something that qualifies for a stress-free, violence-free society.
In the words of Mayaa SH, “The pursuit of perfection, often driven by ego, can be a significant barrier to a growth mindset. Instead, women should choose progress and growth over perfection. This involves celebrating small victories, focusing on consistent effort, and recognizing that the journey itself holds valuable lessons. This approach helps to avoid burnout and allows for a more mindful and enjoyable experience of personal development. Feminism is not a war between men and women, but rather a fight against the ideology of rhetoric patriarchal structures. Feminism seeks equality for all genders, religions, classes, and castes, and aims to ensure every individual lives with liberty, equality, and dignity.”
About The Author
Mayaa SH is a multi-award-winning Indian author, poet, podcaster, artist, and social activist, renowned for her significant contributions to contemporary literature and her unwavering advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality. She is a multifaceted force in contemporary Indian literature, activism, and social reform. Renowned for her groundbreaking work in women’s empowerment, gender equality, and mental health awareness, she is celebrated as a “Women Empowerment Culturist,” a “Firebrand Feminist,” and a “Gender-Based Violence Specialist.”
Her powerful book Swayam emphasizes self-belief, resilience, and the pursuit of personal potential—especially for women. Through her work, Mayaa SH encourages readers to adopt an exponential growth mindset and challenge limiting societal norms. With numerous national and international accolades to her name, and a presence in global publications such as Tejaswi – The Imperishable on Women Power and Honour, she continues to inspire change and spark meaningful dialogue around gender justice and mental well-being.
Mayaa SH is a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment and a gender equality exponent, aligning her work with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Her awards and writings underscore her dedication to promoting gender inclusivity and equality. Her self-help literature directly addresses the challenges women face, including gender-based violence, economic dependence, and limited access to education.
For instance, “Stamped: For Domestic Violence Survivors” aims to provide hope and guidance for individuals trapped in cycles of trauma, exploitation, and abuse, especially those lacking economic independence or social acceptance to break free. Her work encourages women to develop resilience against adversities, transforming obstacles into stepping stones towards achieving their goals. She believes that by nurturing their dreams and fostering self-belief, women can confront and overcome societal barriers.
Recognizing the profound psychological effects of abuse and societal pressures, Mayaa SH’s self-help books also focus on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. She uses conversation as a tool to help women manage stress and fear, offering support and guidance, and actively works to destigmatize mental health challenges. Her books provide strategies for managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, or PTSD, helping individuals feel more in control of their lives.
Beyond individual empowerment, her self-help books implicitly and explicitly advocate for broader societal change. By empowering women to recognize their worth and pursue their aspirations, she believes they can challenge patriarchal norms and contribute meaningfully to society. Her work highlights the importance of education, legal reforms, and creating supportive communities to foster an environment where women can thrive as equals.
Her books provide practical guidance, insights, and inspiration for personal growth. She provides actionable quotes and anecdotes to help readers improve their health, productivity, and relationships. Her writing is described as a self-guiding light for numerous souls, with short snippets that allow readers to relate to contemporary concepts, aiming to motivate individuals by reinforcing the belief that they can achieve anything if they believe in themselves.
At an individual level, her approach to navigating patriarchal challenges is deeply rooted in the understanding of feminism as a movement for “Equality, Not Superiority.” Mayaa has constantly affirmed that “Feminism is not a war between men and women, but rather a fight against the ideology of rhetoric patriarchal structures. Feminism seeks equality for all genders, religions, classes, and castes, and aims to ensure every individual lives with liberty, equality, and dignity.”
This articulation helps dispel common misconceptions that label feminism as misandry or a Western concept, making her message more accessible and less confrontational to a broader audience. She actively works to dismantle structural rigidity of patriarchy by communicating feminist concepts in multiple idioms and simple language, making complex political debates understandable to diverse groups.
Beyond her literary and activist roles, Mayaa SH is recognized as a public intellectual, thinker, essayist, and social scientist. She is known for her bold expression and deep understanding of women’s issues, including those considered taboo. Her work is deeply rooted in the cultural context of India, challenging the notion that feminism is solely a Western concept and asserting that Indian feminism has its own unique struggles and triumphs. She actively engages in initiatives to empower marginalized communities, promote education, and foster dialogue
around critical social issues. Her ability to connect with people across various backgrounds and her charismatic personality further contribute to her fame and influence.
