These stories can be a mirror of the social issue of gender - based violence. A gagged woman in a story might be a way to show how women are often the targets of violence and abuse. It can also signify how society has sometimes turned a blind eye to the mistreatment of women. By exploring these stories, we can start to understand the deeper - rooted problems and work towards solutions to ensure that women are not silenced or victimized in real - life situations.