Each day in India, single women and mothers face constant criticism and discrimination. Things are far from easy for them. These women need a space free of judgment, something Hum Gunhegar Auratein (HGA) provides. Founded by Disha Shrivastava, a passionate leader for gender equality and women’s empowerment, Hum Gunhegar Auratein (HGA) is a support group where women can find a strong and unwavering community to lean on.
Married but single. It is a reality for many women whose “we” in marriage has turned into “me.” These are not women with partners in the military or working overseas. They’re women with spouses who are present yet absent in every way that counts. They are the default parents, shouldering all responsibilities while their partners fade into the background. It’s not just a status. It is an emotionally draining, exhausting reality that leaves women single in mind, spirit, and often in practice, even if not on paper.
The story behind Hum Gunhegar Auratein
Disha Shrivastava’s journey toward founding Hum Gunhegar Auratein (HGA) was born out of a deeply personal struggle. After her husband left and faced with the sudden collapse of her financial support system, she was left to manage her family alone. Alone with two children, two dogs, a house to run, bills to pay, and no safety net.
Despite the overwhelming odds, she refused to let her children suffer. Over time, she found strength in her resilience. She took on multiple projects to support herself and her family. Inspired by her fight and the struggles of many others in similar situations, Disha created HGA.
The turning point came when she came across a powerful feminist poem by the Pakistani poet Kishwar Naheed. The poem, Hum Gunhegar Auratein, resonated deeply with her, especially the lines:
“Yeh Hum Gunahgar Auratein Hain, Jo Ahl-E-Jubba ki Tamkanat Se Na Roab Khaen
Na Jaan Bechen, Na Sar Jhukaen, Na Haath Joden“
These words became a driving force behind her mission to support women. It was a push forward in creating the support group Hum Gunhegar Auratein. The initiative was born out of a desire to form a safe, judgment-free community for women facing similar challenges, whether single by status or mind. It became a space to connect, share, and empower each other, driven by the belief that women, especially those in tough relationships and rejecting societal constraints, deserve a space to heal and stand firm together.
Hum Gunhegar Auratein: Connecting, supporting, growing
Hum Gunhegar Auratein (HGA) is an informal support group for women, currently operating as a WhatsApp-based group. While the group is presently focused on Mumbai, HGA has bigger plans for the future. Looking ahead, HGA plans to merge with Women in the Hood, a growing community of women based in Gurgaon, to expand its reach and impact.
Both groups share a mission to connect like-minded women. Moreover, they provide insights, share their stories, and offer resources for personal and professional growth. The merger will allow the groups to reach more women and offer a wider network for support, learning, and collaboration.
Only 27% of Indian women are financially literate. After marriage, many women become financially dependent on their husbands. However, when this support is suddenly cut off, whether due to separation, divorce, or other circumstances, they are left wondering what to do next. With little knowledge or guidance on managing finances, many women struggle to navigate this new reality. That is where Hum Gunhegar Auratein (HGA) can make a significant difference by creating a space for women to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other.
HGA aims to become more than just a community. Disha’s vision for HGA is to create a global movement open to anyone who identifies as a woman, regardless of caste, color, creed, physical ability, or sexuality. As Disha rightly puts it, “Where there is a woman, there’s Hum Gunhegar Auratein.” This movement is meant to empower and unite women from all walks of life.
The need for more safe spaces for women
India’s deeply patriarchal society often views women as incomplete without a partner, placing the blame for any relationship breakdown on her shoulders. Disha shares, “My family was also totally against me because, as an Indian household, you are required, as if you are a woman, to upkeep your family completely, and it is totally your fault when anything goes wrong.“
Many women caught in this struggle find themselves alone, without a support system. For those truly living in a “Single Married” situation, navigating through this isolation becomes even more difficult. The root of this challenge lies in the lack of support. They are often not in a position to take a stand or break free from their suffocating circumstances.
That is why HGA is not a business group or commercial platform. It is a safe space where women can come together, share their stories, and support one another. A space for women to speak their truths, live by their own terms, define their boundaries, and reject societal norms that try to pigeonhole them.
The final thoughts on Hum Gunhegar Auratein
Disha’s vision has given rise to an inclusive community that encourages women to embrace their own identities, challenge societal norms, and live on their own terms. In a country where women are too often judged for their choices, especially when those choices defy traditional norms, HGA provides an invaluable space to share experiences, seek advice, and gain the support they need. At Changeincontent.com, we support initiatives like Hum Gunhegar Auratein, which are working to create more inclusive spaces where women’s voices are heard.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
