From abuse to empowerment: Smita Bharti’s journey of self-discovery

In 1995, Smita Bharti walked out of an abusive marriage, determined to reclaim her life and seek answers to the hardships she had endured. She got married at the age of 20 and walked out at the age of 32. She is 60 now.

“I went through a very tough time in life, and what happened to me left me shocked. I couldn’t understand why it happened and how it could have happened to me,” she recalls. “I started searching for answers. I was not much educated then, and I got married at a very young age.”

She spoke to Patriot during her NGO’s global conference on gender equity, held recently in Delhi.

With little to her name, Smita turned to the things that had always been her refuge—storytelling, theatre, and writing. “I had been writing plays since I was 10 years old,” she says. “Despite the chaos and struggles in my life, I was driven to find answers. At that point, I didn’t even know what a curriculum vitae (CV) was.”

Her journey, she explains, was shaped by a relentless set of questions: “What happened to me? Why did it happen? And why did I allow it to happen?”

Transforming lives through storytelling

Today, Smita is a trailblazer with over three decades of experience in theatre and social art interventions aimed at promoting behavioural change. Through her research, workshops, campaigns, performances, and publications, she has worked with women and adolescents in some of the most difficult and challenging situations. She has engaged with victims awaiting trial in prisons, survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and incest, as well as individuals who are physically and mentally challenged. Smita has also collaborated with policymakers to create systemic change.

“I’ve been exploring all of this through stories—in colleges, jails, courts, and communities. I’ve shared stories by different authors with them,” Smita shares. “I wanted to help them see things differently.”

Reflecting on her own experience, Smita admits that while marriage is often seen as a secure relationship, the boundaries that were crossed in hers were simply unacceptable. “I had so many questions. The only way I could find the answers was through stories and theatre. I wanted to use these platforms to educate younger generations,” says Smita, who studied Psychology at the University of Delhi.

She adds, “What I’ve learned later in life, if I had learned it earlier, would have completely changed the decisions I made. That’s why I started teaching at colleges—to give young people the tools to make better choices in their own lives.”

Challenging societal norms

Smita also touches on the impact of societal norms: “The stereotypical, patriarchal mindset has a significant role to play in this. There is a class of people who believe they are superior, entitled, and have the privilege to harm others. This mindset is deeply rooted in the social and cultural structures we live in.”

An advocate for women’s rights and equality, Smita embodies the essence of everything she does—from writing and directing plays to speaking out on social issues. Having written plays since grade six, she has emerged as a highly respected playwright, actor, director, creative writer, and translator. She has acted in, directed, written, and translated over twenty plays and books.

“Theatre is not just about words—it’s about bringing ideas to life. It allows us to turn abstract concepts into reality. It’s a powerful tool for self-evolution,” she explains.

A fight beyond financial independence

When it comes to women’s rights, Smita argues that financial empowerment alone is not enough. “The issues are systemic and structural. We need to change the structures—our thoughts, ideas, laws, policies, and social units. We must demolish outdated systems that no longer serve us. Also, the right for women to be safe is a constitutional right. Why should they have to fight for it?”

Smita is particularly concerned about the issue of marital rape, referencing the recent judgment by the Chhattisgarh High Court, which ruled that a man cannot be prosecuted for marital rape in India. “This is a grave issue that remains unaddressed in India,” she states.

The safety of women is another topic she feels strongly about. “One in three women globally faces violence. This is a global issue, and it won’t stop unless we take deeply rooted action.”

Leading change with Sakshi

Her own journey led her to join Sakshi, a pioneering 33-year-old NGO, where she serves as the Executive Director and President. The organisation focuses on sexual violence and gender-based violence.

“We have been working tirelessly on issues like sexual violence and gender-based violence,” she says.

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“I will not stop until no child is left struggling to understand the sexual abuse they’re experiencing. My mission is to champion the right to equality. Every day, I remind myself and others—do not let your fears dictate your choices. Do not let fear steer you away from the path you’ve chosen,” she concludes.