EXPLORING GENDER INTERSECTIONALITY IN BEGUM ROKEYA'S WORKS AND VANDANA SINGH'S WORKS

Abstract [English]

This paper analyses the theme of gender intersectionality in Begum Rokeya's 'Sultana's Dream' (1905) and Vandana Singh's 'The Woman Who Thought She was a Planet' (2008). These two important works are rooted in different cultural and historical backgrounds. Both the stories defy the patriarchal norms and bring forth alternative perceptions of gender, space, and power. Rokeya's Sultana's Dream is a utopian vision of a society ruled by women, where female intellect and freedom are the central themes, overturning the traditional gender roles. On the other hand, Singh's story revolves around alienation and transformation in a dystopian world, using metaphor to speak about identity and societal constraints on women.
Using an intersectional framework, this paper analyses the way these authors approach the intersecting issues of gender, class, and culture. It looks into how Rokeya critiques colonial patriarchy through the construction of a progressive society led by women, while Singh explores the challenges women face within and beyond patriarchal structures. The article suggests that both narratives do not only depict alternative realities but also challenge the constraints on female identities. This analysis demonstrates how speculative fiction continues to be relevant in exposing and confronting gender inequalities and emphasizes the role of imagination in challenging societal norms