Some voices struggle to break through. For centuries, women have fought for equality, yet the path remains riddled with obstacles. Now, imagine confronting those same barriers without the ability to hear or be heard. Deaf women navigate a world that not only marginalizes them but often refuses to acknowledge their existence. Beyond the universal challenges of gender inequality, they endure an added layer of isolation—communication barriers, societal neglect, and systemic exclusion.
On International Women’s Day, we bring you this discerning interview that shines a spotlight on these often-ignored realities. It delves into the deep-seated biases that continue to suppress women’s autonomy, especially in financial and professional spheres. It dismantles misconceptions about deaf women, proving that their so-called limitations stem not from their abilities, but from society’s failure to support and empower them.
Through the journey of a trailblazing leader who has shattered barriers—from the courtroom to the corporate world—we witness the power of advocacy, resilience, and self-belief in reshaping destinies. But the real question remains: Is society ready to listen, adapt, and take action? Because empowerment isn’t just about offering opportunities—it’s about dismantling the structures that stand in the way.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at the Celebrating Womanhood: Empower, Educate, Elevate conference, hosted by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), Rajyalakshmi Rao, Founder Chairperson of the All India Foundation of Deaf Women, addresses the unique challenges deaf women face compared to others. She examines how society can foster their inclusion and empowerment, evaluates the state of gender equality laws, and outlines what more must be done to achieve true equity.
Furthermore, she also underscores her organization’s role in supporting girls with special abilities and amplifying unheard voices. Finally, she shares her remarkable journey—breaking barriers as the first woman president of IACC, serving as a consumer court judge, and championing the rights of underprivileged deaf women in India.
Here are the key takeaways from her powerful conversation.
Q: What additional challenges do deaf women face compared to other women, and how can society better support their inclusion and empowerment?
A: Women primarily battle mental and emotional challenges. For generations, society has conditioned them to serve men—at home and beyond—silencing their voices and suppressing their independence. This deep-seated conditioning remains their greatest hurdle. Many endure abuse yet feel powerless to speak out because they were never allowed to express themselves. Over time, they stop trying.
However, today’s young women are different. They are sharp, vocal, and refuse to be suppressed. Yet, financial control remains overwhelmingly in men’s hands. Women lack financial literacy, leaving them dependent—even when they earn. Their money is spent, managed, and invested by men. This must change. Women must not only earn but also learn to invest wisely and secure their financial future. If they don’t, no one will step in to protect them. Every woman must fight—for her voice, her independence, and her financial power.
Q: Where does our society currently stand in terms of gender equality laws, and what more needs to be done to ensure true equity?
A: Gender inequality persists worldwide—it’s not just India. However, India’s legal framework favours women, yet societal norms have long suppressed them, from birth to death. They are conditioned to serve men, to exist in the shadows of patriarchy. This mindset must change. Women stand equal to men in every way. We enter the world the same way and depart no differently—men hold no exclusive passage in life or death. Yet, generations of conditioning have stifled women’s very ability to think of themselves as equals. The key lies in reclaiming that power. Women must embrace an innate sense of empowerment—the unwavering belief: I can do it. I will do it. And she will do it.
Q: How does your organization support girls with special abilities and unheard stories, and what message do you have for society to encourage their empowerment?
A: I joined the foundation as President, and they never let me leave. So, I stayed—and expanded its reach to 20 states. The All India Foundation of Deaf Women empowers hearing-impaired women through skill development, job placement, and even matchmaking. These women, often from impoverished backgrounds, struggle to find life partners due to financial constraints and societal neglect.
To address this, we created a unique platform. We invite eligible boys and girls, along with their families, to a gathering where they communicate through sign language while their parents speak on the mic. Fifty boys and fifty girls, all from similar backgrounds, meet, interact, and form connections. Some find companionship, leading to marriage. They return to us years later—with thriving families and perfectly healthy children. Their lives find stability, simply because someone believed in them.
The truth is, when given an opportunity, these individuals excel. In the workplace, they often outperform others because their inability to hear sharpens their focus and precision. Whether in computing, instrumentation, or any technical field, they deliver flawless results. The real issue isn’t their capability—it’s our lack of faith in them. Parents, weighed down by financial struggles, often see a hearing-impaired child as a burden. Society reinforces this notion, keeping them in the shadows.
I refuse to accept that. I am committed to breaking these barriers. And to every woman out there, know this—obstacles, especially from men, will always exist. But fear should never dictate your path. Push forward. Nothing can stop you.
Q: How did you break barriers as the first woman president of IACC, a consumer court judge, and an advocate for underprivileged deaf women in India?
A: I have worn many hats in my career. One of the most significant was serving as the National President of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), becoming the first woman to hold the position in 55–56 years. IACC entrusted me with this role, and I take immense pride in breaking that barrier. It was a long-overdue milestone, made possible by the men who recognized the need for change.
Another defining role in my journey was my 18-year tenure as a judge in consumer courts, including a decade at the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. During this time, I delivered several landmark judgments that reshaped systems and improved consumers’ lives. Through it all, I have learned a vital truth: confidence and ambition must come from within. No one will hand them to you. As women, we are born empowered, yet societal conditioning often makes us believe otherwise. Families sometimes reinforce the notion that girls are less capable than boys. But that is a myth. Women are, in fact, biologically stronger and outlive men with better health. The only mistake we make is surrendering to these false narratives.
Confidence is the key to success. If you believe you can achieve something—perhaps even better than a man—you will. As a judge at the National Commission, I frequently sat in the Supreme Court alongside male colleagues. I was the only woman on the bench. Lawyers in Delhi often ignored my questions, directing their responses elsewhere, as if my presence held no authority. At first, I waited, thinking they would acknowledge me. When they didn’t, I realized that many still struggle to accept that a woman can be as intelligent as a man. It was as though they saw me as nothing more than a figurehead.
I refused to let that stand. I began asserting myself, ensuring I was heard. If a lawyer bypassed my question, I would stop them and say, “Counsel, before moving on, kindly answer the question I asked earlier.” The entire courtroom would take notice. Over time, I earned my place—not because someone paved the way for me, but because I demanded the respect I deserved. Eventually, I built a reputation as a thinker, someone who always brought a fresh perspective. Coming from a non-legal background, I saw things differently, and that became my strength.
Women cannot wait for help; we must advocate for ourselves. More importantly, we must change the mindset of the men around us. Women are often held back by societal perceptions, but men can be allies—if they understand our capabilities. Dream big, work hard, and men will recognize your worth. However, if you doubt yourself, no one can help.
Alongside my legal work, I also took up the cause of helping underprivileged deaf women in India. This journey began unexpectedly when Ram Jethmalani sent a group of them to me while I was on the bench. At first, I didn’t know how to help them. But when I saw their struggles—deprived of fundamental rights and unaware of their own legal protections—I felt a deep sense of responsibility. If I could empower consumers to fight for their rights, how could I turn my back on these young girls who had no voice?
No change happens overnight, but one thing is clear: we must stand up for ourselves and for those who cannot. The world will only listen when we make it impossible to ignore us.
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