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Polygence Scholar2022
Sohani Das's profile

Sohani Das

Simsbury High SchoolClass of 2024Weatogue, CT

About

Hello! My name is Sohani and my Polygence project is about the the impact of arranged and forced marriages on autonomy and agency for young South, Middle Eastern and Caucasian women in Britain. I chose to work on this project because I am deeply passionate about learning more about this thousand-year-old tradition and question its prevalence in cultures around the globe as love is not the impetus behind this form of marriage, but honor.

Projects

  • "“Breaking the Barriers in Political Leadership”" with mentor Meaghan (Working project)
  • "The Absence of Autonomy and Agency on Young Women Amongst the South Asian and MENA Diaspora in Modern-Day Arranged Marriages" with mentor Amber (Jan. 23, 2023)

Sohani's Symposium Presentation

Project Portfolio

“Breaking the Barriers in Political Leadership”

Started June 4, 2023

Abstract or project description

TO BE DETERMINED - Podcast & Blogs:

Research Question: What are the major disparities facing women of color in comparison to their white male counterparts in politics? How does inequality affect women of color in politics? How do these women then garner success?

Consistent Component: Women of Color, Access to Resources to Be as Visible, Garner Popularity, Can’t Measure as Success, how much money they’ve received in campaign donations, outcome of their elections, % of voter turnout, areas that are more conservative, how to account, account for population

6 Investigative Topics Women of Color in Politics: The Disparity of Image and Representation in Media Women of Color: Barriers Throughout History and Present-Day Effects Women of Color in Politics: Asymmetrical Access to Political Power and Capital Women of Color in Politics: Variations in Civic Engagement Women of Color in Politics: Racism, Colorism and Objectification Women of Color in Politics: Distinctions in Policy

Project Portfolio

The Absence of Autonomy and Agency on Young Women Amongst the South Asian and MENA Diaspora in Modern-Day Arranged Marriages

Started Aug. 4, 2022

Abstract or project description

Forced marriages, by definition, are defined by the union of two parties that marry for a host of reasons—whether out of convenience, coercion or honor—and are characterized by their lack of will or informed consent, and included under this definition would also be child marriage. Within the context of the South Asian and MENA community,

Honor killings or honor-based abuse are just one of the many by-products of such a union, and often may be the sole agent that characterizes the very consequences of rejection or refusal to be beholden to marital customs tied to a woman’s sense of filial obligation and acquiescence to long-standing tradition.

RQ: How do arranged marriages limit the autonomy and agency of young women in the South Asian and MENA context? How have honour killing and abusive behavior been exonerated through the guise of culture?