She Dares is the eighth book of short stories published by 16 women authors of Indian origin from different parts of the world. Coming from various professional back-grounds, the SHE project aims to provide a creative platform for women’s voices and reflections on daily life. None of the authors comes from a purely literary background, yet as scientists, bankers, academics, engineers, managers, and homemakers, they all have a story to share.

The books in the SHE series revolve around a specific theme or genre. In the past, the themes have included stories woven around women’s voices (She Speaks 2019) and Indian festivals (She Celebrates 2020; relaunched in 2021). Flash fiction was the genre of choice in She Reflects (2021). She Shines (2022) has stories of women belonging to marginal groups. The stories in She Seeks (2023) explore the theme of mystery and nostalgia. She Achieves (2024), is a varied collection of short stories and flash fiction addressing women and work, and She Connects (2025) is based on unusual relationships. She Dares (2026) brings stories of women who have spoken up for themselves and others when the odds were stacked against them.

The meaning of the word dare is to defy or challenge, but embedded in it above everything else is a siren call to action. In this collection of short stories, women push and stretch the boundaries of daring in unexpected ways through their actions. When confronted with unethical actions or discrimination, these women chose to speak truth to power when remaining silent would have been a safer option (I Know How to Count; Search Me Too). Women abandoned the comfort and protection of traditional norms, prizing personal autonomy and freedom instead (Beneath the Dragon’s Shadow; Beyond the Whispers of the Urumi; Seismicity). To strike out on one’s own with or without the support from one’s inner circle of family and friends requires a certain chutzpah that only a few can muster and translate into action (A Commencement Address; Lost in Translation; Smriti: Tracing the Forgotten Self; Saira’s Dream). Sometimes the answer to overcoming trauma is simply ‘to keep calm and carry on’ (A Gift from Richard; Delhi–The Daredevil Daughters). History has shown the profound power of collective action and sisterhood in tackling social ills, personal setbacks and fighting for justice (Driven by Darkness; Everybody Dance Now; Phulwanti Paediatric Hospital, The Crazy Women). But none of these acts of ‘dare’—small or large—is possible without self-belief and owning oneself with truth and honesty (Carrara Marble).

The stories in this collection pay homage to women across cultures and from the past and present. These women seized control of their own narratives and, in the process, contributed to the greater good. Their stories are compelling because they are drawn directly from the lived experiences of women from all walks of life.