Radhika Yadav’s Murder Is a Stark Reminder: Patriarchy Still Rules
Radhika Yadav’s tragic death is more than a horrifying case of domestic violence — it is a brutal indictment of the deeply entrenched patriarchy and misogyny that continues to shape our society. A talented state-level tennis player who aspired to nurture young talent through her own academy, Radhika was shot dead by her own father. His reason? Shame. He confessed that neighbours mocked him for living off his daughter’s earnings and disapproved of her public visibility through social media. In his mind — and in the minds of those who taunted him — her success was a threat to his masculinity.
This heartbreaking case forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: real gender equality goes far beyond representation, access, or opportunity. It demands a radical transformation — not just of policies or institutions, but of deeply internalised attitudes and cultural norms. Patriarchy, when threatened, doesn’t disappear. It evolves. It finds new ways to punish women who step out of prescribed roles — whether through online trolling, social shaming, or, as in Radhika’s case, deadly violence.
It’s easy to celebrate individual achievements and cite women’s growing presence in sports, media, or politics. But without addressing the root structures that continue to devalue women’s autonomy and reinforce male dominance, these gains remain dangerously fragile. Radhika’s story is proof that success alone does not protect women from violence — in fact, it can provoke greater backlash.
Patriarchy harms men, too. It robs them of the capacity for empathy and forces them to define their worth through control and dominance. A society that mocks a man for his daughter’s success but excuses violence against women is complicit in such tragedies.
Radhika Yadav’s murder is not an isolated act of a disturbed father. It is the outcome of a culture that still fears women’s freedom. Justice for Radhika — and for all women — demands more than outrage. It demands that we dismantle patriarchy in our homes, institutions, and minds.
