Known as ‘Meeshakari’ (moustache bearer in Malayalam) the 35 y/o Shaija is shattering gender stereotypes with her proud moustache. Shaija hails from a quaint village Kolayad in Kannur (Kerala). Her family including her husband Lakshmanan (a Palakkad native) and their daughter Ashwika who studies in 10th std are all very supportive. Lakshmanan says ‘Your moustache. . .Your decision!’ If only we had more Lakshmanans and Ashwikas!

Kannur woman in love with her moustache, makes a style statement | https://t.co/o4ZVeW71ET pic.twitter.com/eE4nuBGO6S

Meeshakari Shaija faced much ridicule and mockery when she first sported her light stash. But the brave lady was never once unnerved. Never the one to take an insult to her heart, Shaija decided to stick with her prideful stash. In her native she is known as ‘Meeshakari’ and this has never saddened her. Not a bit. She also goes by the monicker on her socials including Facebook.

While there are dumb wits who get offended and can’t keep it to themselves.

There are those who support and embrace Shaija with compassion and pride for her choices.

She is often approached by women who face problems due to excessive hair growth. This has kind of become a mission for Shaija. The Meeshakari with a mission! She quips women become weak when they live by other people's wishes.

This also brings to fore the concern about PCOS. As if the physical agony and pain wasn’t enough that the womankind is ridiculed and frowned upon for bearing hair and probably the prospect of never bearing a heir! More power to Meeshakari Shaija for being a beacon of gender bender. May her tribe grow. As for the scoffing jamaat - go get a life!

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