DECODING DRAUPADI

Blog

Stories, told straight.

Conversations with women building careers on their own terms, podcast episodes, and notes from the founder.

Featured Pieces · 10 Mar 2026

The Storyteller Who Never Finished the Story

A conversation with Suhani brand professional, explorer, and proud work in progress. There is a particular kind of woman who refuses to be summarised. She has the degrees, the career pivots, the international chapters and yet none of it quite captures who she actually is. Suhani is one of those women. A strategic marketing professional…

DD Blog · 5 Mar 2026

This Is What Silent Churn Looks Like I Women In Gyms

Women aren’t opting out of strength training. They’re opting out of the spaces we built for it. And India’s booming fitness industry hasn’t noticed the gap it’s leaving behind. Silent churn rarely announces itself. There are no angry complaints, no viral Twitter threads, no public exits. People simply stop using a product the way it…

DD Blog · 28 Jan 2025

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome at Work (and no, it’s not fake it till you make it!)

Have you ever had that moment at work where you questioned everything that led you to reach the position you are in? Have you been baffled about why you were promoted or felt like you didn’t deserve to be in your organization? Felt like an imposter at work? If you identify with any of these…

DD Blog · 25 Jan 2025

Is PCOS Going to be the End of My Hair? Not if You Debunk These Myths!

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is like that one unexpected guest who always overstays their welcome — unpredictable, persistent, and always finding new ways to complicate your life. Among its long list of surprises is hair loss, a symptom that can be especially distressing for women. While losing hair is never easy, the myths surrounding PCOS-related…

DD Blog · 21 Jan 2025

What to invest and when:  A Desi Woman’s Investment Guide Through Every Stage in Life

Do you ever feel like your earnings aren’t enough? That there exists an imbalance between your income and inflation? You’re not alone. Inflation is a sneaky thief, silently eroding the value of your hard-earned cash. But what if I told you there’s a way to fight back? Enter: investing. When it comes to financial freedom,…

DD Blog · 16 Jan 2025

How to Set Boundaries Like a Boss (and Finally Thrive at work and home)

Picture this: You’re balancing deadlines at work, supervising your child’s homework, managing dinner preparations, and still trying to squeeze in time to relax. Sounds familiar? If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. In our Indian patriarchal society, we sadly grew up conditioned that the duty of a woman was confined to the three C’s —…

DD Blog · 13 Jan 2025

Why Networking is the Secret Ingredient for Your Career Growth

Let’s be honest—networking can feel like stepping into uncharted territory, especially if you’re not naturally outgoing. For many Indian working women, societal conditioning and lack of exposure to professional spaces make it even trickier. But here’s the deal: networking isn’t about being pushy or overly self-promotional. It’s about building meaningful connections that can open doors, shatter glass ceilings, and fast-track your career. LinkedIn data reveals that Indian women are 14% less likely than men to have strong networks. This isn’t just a stat—it’s a wake-up call.

DD Blog · 9 Jan 2025

Juggling Life? Here’s How to Keep Your Health in Check

Let’s be real, juggling work, family, and social life feels like a never-ending marathon. The constant pressure to “do it all” can leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed. But what if I told you that prioritizing your health doesn’t have to be a Herculean task? Imagine starting each day feeling energized, focused, and ready to…

DD Blog · 6 Jan 2025

Thinking of Freelancing in 2025? — Here are the top skills that every woman needs to stay ahead!

Let’s face it: Remote work landscape has never been the same ever since the pandemic. It has evolved rapidly over the five years and freelancing has been no exception. Infact freelancing is now a much sought after position. With how we work is changing faster than ever, as we head into 2025, certain skills are becoming absolute game-changers for Indian women freelancers. The good news? Opportunities are everywhere. The challenge? So is the competition.

Podcast · 22 Oct 2024

Chanaya Gupta on building a brand rooted in inclusivity and community

Chanaya Gupta is the founder of Lazo Store, a women’s fashion brand rooted in empowerment and community. She’s a dancer by heart, an entrepreneur by soul and a fitness freak by her muscles. We recently had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Chanaya about her journey of building LAZO, what it’s like building a community of women who feel comfortable and free to dress however they like and lots more.

Featured Pieces · 26 Jun 2024

Thriving as A Single Woman in your 30s and Beyond

What becomes of a woman when she stops looking at romantic partnerships as the ultimate trophy or motive for being alive?

Featured Pieces · 21 Jun 2024

Tales of Womanhood: A north-eastern perspective

This isn’t just my story; it’s my mother’s and all the girls of the North East region of India. Although we proudly identify as Indian citizens, our experiences are different in that we often face racism and discrimination. The environment in the North East, especially in my hometown Sikkim, is quite different compared to the mainland.