Roop Durgapal: It’s a reflection on how far we have come after struggles of centuries

As the world marks International Women's Day, actor Roop Durgapal, known for Balika Vadhu and making her OTT debut with Sankalp, says the day is both a celebration and a reminder of women’s long journey.“Women’s Day, to me, means a celebration and recognition of women's power, strength, and values brought in by a woman in any society,” she says.

“It’s a reflection on how far we have come after struggles of centuries, what more there is to achieve, and the awareness that the true essence of being a woman should never get diluted.

”For Roop, empowerment begins with independence. “Empowerment means being able to take my own decisions, having equal opportunities, feeling safe and secure on my own, and having financial stability,” she explains. “The definition may change with time, but women have certainly evolved and come a long way.”However, she feels the goal isn’t to compete with men. “The bigger picture is not competing with men over salaries, but focusing on becoming financially independent individually.”Roop also believes change must start at home. “Equality needs to be ingrained in the minds of children when they are young. What kids learn at home eventually reflects in society.”Despite progress, she acknowledges challenges remain. “Women still have to be more cautious stepping out at night. That itself shows the bias that still exists. Women today are leading companies, running businesses, shining in sports and entertainment, and even homemakers proudly own their role in building families.”