In a world empowered by smartphones, AI, and modern education, are we still dragging ancient biases into the future? In this bold and thought-provoking TEDx talk, women's rights activist Jarjum Ete raises a powerful question: Why, despite all our progress, are women still denied equal inheritance, property rights, and social agency especially in tribal societies like Arunachal Pradesh? Drawing on decades of grassroots activism, Jarjum shares personal insights into the journey of women’s empowerment, the troubling resurgence of patriarchal resistance among youth, and the complexities of inter-community marriages. From property rights to peacebuilding, from the village to the digital realm—this talk is a wake-up call to rethink how we define progress. Jarjum Ete is a prominent social activist, women’s rights advocate, and former Chairperson of the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women. A member of the Galo tribe, she began her activism in 1985 with the Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society, where she helped build a statewide movement for gender justice, legal reform, and tribal rights. With a postgraduate degree in English Literature from Arunachal University, she has led campaigns for women’s political representation, anti-liquor laws, and codification of tribal customary laws. She has served on national committees, participated in the 1995 UN Beijing Conference, and remains a powerful voice for inclusion, secularism, and clean politics. Currently, she is the General Secretary of the All India Mahila Congress (in charge of Sikkim and Nagaland), and continues to inspire future leaders by challenging patriarchal norms, advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights, and promoting skill-based development in Arunachal Pradesh. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx