On this International Women’s Day, it’s time to reflect on women's achievements and their progress in social, economic, and cultural spheres. While there is more work yet to be done for gender equality, literature across the world has made strides in women's representation and portrayal of strong female characters through books in the last few decades. Moving forward, these books are now available on audio books and podcasts making women’s achievements find space among a larger audience. Here are 10 female-centric and women-led audiobooks, series, and podcasts that reflect women’s journey and their redefined identity in modern India.
Adulting: It's a Jungle Out There
This 20-episode Audible original podcast series, narrates the coming-of-age story of the lives of two young women balancing the responsibilities of adulthood in the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. The series takes us along on a journey of adulting as Ray & Nikhat (played by Yashaswini Dayama and Aisha Ahmed respectively) grapple with daily life obstacles. A relatable listen for young adults, it is an ideal series to binge on this Women’s Day.
Mine and yours S2
Written by and centered around a woman, Mine, and Yours S2 is a first-of-its-kind love triangle for India. Jaiveer and Priya have been in a wholesome live-in-relationship for almost three years. As they figure out what’s the ideal next step for them as a couple, their equation is aflutter when Rashi Priya’s first and only girlfriend stays with them for a month. The unexpected arrival of Rashi triggers jealousy followed by a competitive race between Jaiveer and her for Priya’s heart. Priya navigates the complications of sexuality, soulmates, and what she wants in her love life.
Twisted by Chandrima Das
A gripping audiobook that explores how fear can infiltrate our lives, no matter how far removed we may feel from the darkness. This must-listen title on Audible delves into the unsettling reality of how fear can twist our perception of reality and leave us vulnerable to our deepest fears.
The Light Podcast
Written and narrated by Michelle Obama, this podcast is based on Michelle Obama's tour promoting her recent bestselling book 'The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times’, the 8-episode podcast features her conversations with special guests like Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Tyler Perry, and David Letterman, among others. The Light Podcast transcends the book and explores themes like substantial relationships, racial issues, gender gap, visibility, adapting to change, and more. Peppered with her trademark wit, candor, and compassion, the podcast makes for a fun and uplifting listen.
Unfinished
Unfinished by Priyanka Chopra Jonas offers a glimpse into her life, from her formative years to navigating her career and what it takes to succeed in the Indian film industry. It is an honest account of the challenges she faced and learnings from her dual-continent 20-year-long career in India and Hollywood. With all the elements to make it a must-listen for all, her story will definitely inspire a generation worldwide to gather their courage, embrace their ambition, and commit to the hard work of following their dreams.
A Balancing Act
This podcast series serves as an ode to every hard working and multi-tasking Indian woman. The series is a tribute to all the lovely daughters, doting mothers, and responsible daughters-in-law who also stick to their passions in life. Narrated by the humorous Raveena Tandon, celebrity wife Mridula Tripathi, and renowned entrepreneur Kalpana Saroj, the series highlights their inspiring journey right from being the sole breadwinner, starting their career early on to reinventing themselves for a second shot at their career.
Mad Mommas
This 8-part Audible Original series that deals with the poignant realities of different stages of motherhood experienced by four women through marriage, career, kids, family, life, and the Covid lockdown. Richa Anirudh, the narrator is a TV anchor who has just become a mother, the other women we learn about as the series progresses include a stay-at-home mum, a psychotherapist, and a mother of a teen who is her counselor. This fictional audio drama series unravels many untouched aspects of the lives of urban women through secrets they fear to share openly: insecurities, professional and domestic struggles, and the tug between 'what should be' and 'what I want'.
When women Ruled the World
This compelling Audiobook deep dives into the remarkable lives of six female stalwarts from Hatshepsut to Cleopatra. Women who ruled with grit and power, and served as a beacon of light for feminist revolutions throughout history. Eminent Egyptologist Kara Cooney illustrates inspirational anecdotes of female leadership and liberation of women breaking patriarchal obstacles in ancient Egypt, making it an empowering listen this Women’s Day.
Indomitable
Indomitable is the account of Arundhati Bhattacharya who hailed from small settlements in Bhilai and Bokaro and then went on to chair India’s largest bank. The listeners get a glimpse of her childhood, early education, and the commencement of her career at SBI. Regular job transfers made her life as a woman banker difficult with added family responsibilities. Grappled by a male hierarchical setup in the banking world, Arundhati emerged as a pioneer in customer-centric and digitally advanced banking on a national level. Indomitable will invigorate you to break barriers, push forward and achieve greater heights.
Valmiki's Women
Anand Neelakantan a well-known author explores various themes of Valmiki’s timeless saga - Ramayana. These stories of love, compassion, bravery, and devotion look at women's lives through the Vedic civilization gaze. In this narration, listeners get to experience ancient tales from a feminist perspective centered around lovers, sisters, wives, and mothers who hold the epic Ramayana together.
These audiobooks and podcasts are available on Audible
