FLAVIA AGNES—renowned women’s rights lawyer, activist, and founder of Majlis—has spent decades navigating the deeply gendered structures of law and society. In this compelling conversation, she sheds light on the evolving landscape of women’s empowerment and the profound yet often overlooked power of property ownership. Her words, grounded in experience and rich in insight, guide us toward a more equitable and inclusive future.
Independence is Not Liberation
“Yes, women are more independent today—but they’re still not free.” Flavia begins with a striking observation. While we celebrate the increased visibility of women in public life—leading companies, managing homes, pursuing higher education— she invites us to look deeper.
“Women today can manage their finances, balance careers and homes, and take on multiple responsibilities.
Yet, we must ask—has that truly liberated them? I believe not. The societal systems that govern us have not evolved at the same pace as women’s aspirations. Structures of patriarchy remain deeply entrenched.”
She points out that even in progressive societies, the burden of expectations, traditions, and social roles continues to weigh heavily on women.
“Independence is progress, no doubt. But liberation means being free of dependency, free from societal control, and having the power to choose without fear or restriction. That remains a distant goal for many women—both in India and across the world.”
The Power of Property
“Property ownership is not just an asset—it’s a tool of transformation.” When asked about a tangible route to empowerment, Flavia is unequivocal in her response: property ownership.
“When a woman owns property, she gains more than land or a roof—she gains security, confidence, and autonomy. Without property, women remain vulnerable—especially in situations of domestic violence or financial dependency.”
Traditionally, property has been the domain of men—passed down through fathers, controlled by husbands, managed by brothers. Flavia believes it’s time this changes.
“Women must learn not just to inherit, but to invest, manage, and protect property. This isn’t just about economics—it’s about agency. When a woman has property in her name, she has bargaining power, she can walk out of abuse, she can make choices.”
She calls for a national shift in mindset—through education, policy support, and legal empowerment.
Feminism Beyond Symbols
“Feminism is not defined by what you wear—it’s about how you live.” In an era where feminism is often projected through fashion, hashtags, or lifestyle choices, Flavia urges a return to the roots.
“There’s a version of feminism that revolves around symbolic gestures—clothes, smoking, or cosmetic freedom. While such expressions have their place, they’re not the core of liberation.”
Real empowerment, she insists, is rooted in economic freedom, legal rights, and the ability to live life on one’s own terms.
“A woman might wear traditional clothes, avoid public protests, or lead a quiet life—and still be deeply empowered. If she can think independently, control her income, and confront abuse—that is feminism in action.”
Evolving Roles, Enduring Expectations
“The more things change, the more they remain the same.” Flavia acknowledges the changing roles of women in society—but also highlights the enduring expectations that accompany them.
“Yes, women are earning. They’re visible across professions. But what hasn’t changed significantly is the domestic burden.
From childcare to eldercare to running households, women remain the default caretakers.” This dual responsibility—professional and domestic—exhausts many women and often limits their personal growth.
“Even when women are financially independent, they may not have control over how that money is used. Much of it is still funnelled back into male-dominated household structures, where decisions are not theirs to make.”
She notes that single women often enjoy more freedom—not because of their status alone, but because they’re not trapped in traditional household roles. “It’s not about marital status—it’s about the power dynamics within the household.”
Redefining the Dream Home
“A dream home should be a woman’s own—not just her responsibility.”
For many women, a “dream home” remains a symbol of comfort, safety, and achievement. But Flavia challenges us to look beyond the metaphor.
“For too long, a woman’s relationship with a home has been about maintaining it—cleaning, cooking, nurturing. But what about owning it?”
She emphasizes the need to transition from caretakers of homes to owners of them. “A woman’s dream home should not only be the space she nurtures, but the space she owns. When she holds the title deed, she holds power—literal and symbolic. It gives her freedom to make choices, to walk away from toxicity, to stand on her own.”
A Step Toward Change
As our conversation draws to a close, Flavia reflects on the event that framed this dialogue—an initiative aimed at raising awareness about women’s property rights. “I think it’s a powerful initiative— one that strikes at the very root of inequality. We rarely talk about women and property in the same breath. But without ownership, there can be no real empowerment.”
She praises the platform for spotlighting the need for structural change. “I’m honoured to be part of this movement. If we can encourage just one woman to claim her right to property, we set off a ripple effect. Because when a woman owns her home, she reclaims her future.”
Final Thoughts
Flavia Agnes offers no sugar-coated promises—only clarity, courage, and conviction. Through her words, we are reminded that empowerment doesn’t arrive through slogans or social media trends—but through real tools like education, legal literacy, and property
ownership.
Because at the end of the day, true liberation is when a woman can stand tall—not just within her home, but because it is hers.
