We’ve all seen Priyanka Chopra’s iconic scooter advertisement asking, “Why should boys have all the fun?” It resonated with millions—not just for its catchy line, but for what it symbolized: the changing aspirations of Indian girls. Today, we educate our daughters not only to help them become financially independent but to help them develop independent minds. And it’s heartening to see so many young women, from both urban and rural India, pursuing education with passion and purpose, determined to make a mark on the world.
Just recently, a proud moment for the nation was when a group of young women passed out of the National Defence Academy—opting for one of the toughest, most demanding professions. Across sectors, we see women becoming engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and even CEOs of top global companies. This is empowerment in its truest form.
But with independence comes responsibility—and reflection. As we celebrate these strides, it’s also important to recognize the evolving role of women within the structure of the family. Increasingly, many young women are choosing to delay marriage and motherhood in order to focus on their careers or higher education. This is understandable and commendable. However, we must also talk honestly about the biological realities that accompany these decisions.
Today, the average age at which Indian women marry has risen, and so has the age at which they plan their first child. It’s not uncommon for women to have their first baby at 32 or even 34. A generation ago, gynaecologists used to advise completing childbearing by the age of 30. Back then, having two children before turning 30 was the norm. But now, many women struggle with infertility in their early 30s—not because they’ve done anything wrong, but because biology has its own timeline.
Infertility is rising globally, and India is no exception. As a gynaecologist, I can tell you that one of the most significant contributors to this trend is delayed planning of pregnancy. There are certainly organic or medical causes, but age-related infertility is becoming increasingly common. Another key factor is obesity, which affects hormone balance and reproductive health in profound ways.
What many women don’t realise is that the number of eggs (oocytes) they are born with is finite. Unlike men, whose sperm production continues throughout most of their lives, women’s egg reserves begin to decline significantly after 30—and even more rapidly after 35. So while men may retain fertility into their 40s or 50s, for women, nature doesn’t offer the same leeway.
This is not meant to instill fear, but to foster awareness. In our eagerness to plan every aspect of life—degrees, jobs, promotions, savings—we often forget that some things are best done at the right time. Motherhood is one of them. Pregnancy is a natural phenomenon and should be embraced as such—not postponed endlessly in pursuit of a ‘perfect time’ that may never come.
As both an educationist and a gynaecologist, my message to young women is this: empowerment means making informed choices. Know your body. Understand your biology. Don’t overplan. While careers and ambitions are essential, so too is the joy and fulfillment of having a family—if that’s what you want.
There are few things in life as meaningful as nurturing your own family, just as you nurture your dreams. Parenthood, and especially motherhood, is not a limitation—it is a deeply enriching experience. And nature has given women the extraordinary ability to give life. Let’s honour that gift by respecting its timing.
So to every young woman out there: chase your dreams, ride that scooter, break those glass ceilings—but also listen to your body. Some milestones are not just personal—they’re biological. And when achieved at the right time, they add profound meaning to everything else you build in your life.