Priya Shakti

The Priya Shakti graphic novels were written based on the true stories of a woman named Priya and also other women in India who experienced gender violence.  The novels were created to tell stories of real female superheroes.  Priya was raped, and in the story she calls to Parvati who helps her to reclaim her power.  Priya goes into the forest and meets a tiger.  She comes back into the village sitting on the tiger, and she says, “Speak without shame and stand with me and bring about the change you want to see.”

The idea that culture changes faster than genes is shown in Priya’s story.  In order for genetics to change it takes multiple generations.  The messaging surrounding gender violence and oppression is a cultural issue that affects women in different ways.  As we see in Priya’s story, women’s experiences with these issues are often hidden and treated with shame on the women.  Priya Shakti changes the messaging around this and encourages women o speak and share their stories.  

Sharing women’s stories through books, film, music, and other media forms is incredibly important.  Through these stories, we can change the disempowering messaging in our societies, and therefore create cultural change.  Creativity and media are some of the best ways to inspire generations to look at who they are personally and within their relationships, community, and culture.  That’s why novels like Priya Shakti are so important.  We see a superhero who has overcome huge adversity and then uses her voice to help other women.

Image from Priya Shakti book Priya and the Lost Girls