Reflecting on that period, Malaika revealed that judgment came not just from strangers, but also from friends and family. “I faced a lot of backlash and questioning, even from people I trusted. But I knew I had to make that move for my own happiness. I have no regrets,” she said. She stressed the importance of prioritizing one’s well-being, even if society struggles to understand it.
Malaika also spoke candidly about the stark double standards women face. Choices that are normalized for men are often heavily scrutinized when women make them. “In our patriarchal society, women who step away from expected roles are immediately judged. But if you forget your own path and make a life, you’re setting an example,” she added.
While divorce is becoming less taboo, the emotional toll of judgment, especially from loved ones remains real. Psychologist Dr. Sakshi Mandhyan explains why women are often judged more harshly: “Women are socialized to bear relational responsibility, with their value tied to endurance and emotional labor. Choosing divorce disrupts these prescriptive norms, causing discomfort that is then projected onto the woman.”
The scrutiny can take a serious mental health toll. Dr. Mandhyan notes that constant judgment keeps the nervous system in a prolonged stress state, elevating cortisol levels and affecting sleep, concentration, and emotional balance. Anxiety and emotional fatigue often follow.
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So, how can women cope? “Recognizing that social rejection triggers a biological, not moral, response helps reduce self-blame. Confidence grows when the brain learns that disapproval does not equate to danger, and self-respect replaces the need for approval,” says Dr. Mandhyan.
Malaika’s journey reminds us that prioritizing happiness, setting boundaries, and trusting one’s choices is not just courageous, it’s revolutionary.
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