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A survey conducted by Sunfeast Mom’s Magic highlights a stark reality in India—only 7% of daughters receive equal inheritance through a will. The deeply rooted belief that “betiyan paraya dhan hoti hain” (daughters are ultimately someone else’s responsibility) continues to affect inheritance practices in many families.
Ali Harris Shere, Chief Operating Officer, Biscuits & Cakes Cluster, Foods Division, ITC Limited, stressed the campaign's significance: “A large number of mothers in India, having faced unfair treatment regarding inheritance, can truly spark a change in their families for their daughters. Through the ‘Will of Change’ campaign, we hope to inspire mothers to advocate for equal inheritance rights and become a Mom of Change.”
The initiative encourages mothers, as the pillars of change, to challenge societal biases that often overlook daughters in inheritance matters. Sunfeast Mom’s Magic has a history of championing causes that resonate with mothers, and this campaign seeks to drive a shift towards equality.
At the heart of the Sunfeast campaign is an emotional film starring Shefali Shah and Manish Chaudhari. The film illustrates how inheritance decisions frequently ignore daughters despite their contributions. In a modern family setting, Mr. Shekhar Verma, while finalising his will, inadvertently names only his son, Arjun, as heir. The mother, portrayed by Shefali Shah, subtly questions this decision, reminding her husband that their daughter, Shreya, is always referred to as “beta” (son) at home, yet is labelled “beti” (daughter) when it comes to inheritance. Her poignant remarks challenge ingrained biases, prompting a reconsideration of the decision.
The ‘Will of Change’ initiative aims to empower mothers to challenge entrenched societal norms and ensure equal rights for their daughters in inheritance matters.
