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A-Z Challenge 2018, Feminism

All are equal in the eyes of the law…or are they?

April 12, 2018 by ashwini 12 Comments

In this blog post I will try and as comprehensively as is possible in a blog post, assess whether our Indian Legal system reflects the true spirit of Feminism or not. In case you would like to know more, please click on the hyperlinks throughout the post for in-depth study.

Purpose of Law

The law of the land is meant to guide people along the path of acceptable behaviour. Those who stray from the path become liable for punishment. It also upholds the rights of all of its people. 
The Origin: The Constitution of India

The Constitution of India is the holy grail of the Indian Legal System. It is the supreme law. It bestows Equality, Freedom, Fraternity and Justice upon the citizens of India. It lays down the basic framework based on which every other law in India has been enacted. No law can be passed in our country if it does not agree with the Constitution of India.
Now Article 14 and 15 of the Constitution of India touch upon Equality
Article 14: Equality before Law
“The state shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.”
This article without any exception, clearly indicates that men and women are equal in the eyes of law. 
Article 15: Prohibition of Discrimination on grounds of Religion, Race, Caste, Sex or Place of Birth
If the article is read solely form the angle of Gender Equality – 
  • There can be no discrimination in general on the ground of sex, 
  • Special provision in the case of women and children are permissible. 
Article 15 reinforces the equality principle in Article 14 but it also provides for special provisions for women if the need arises.
The rationale behind special provisions for women
Article 15 of the Constitution of India, allows for special provisions for women. And there are valid reasons for it. Women were and still are a minority group when it comes to several rights. Their position needs to be alleviated for true equality to be achieved. This is the reason why the law allows the State to support women in the following ways:
a) Setting up institutions exclusively for women 
b) Reservation for women at public entertainments or in public conveyances
Before you think that women abuse this protection, please read this article by Bindu N. Doddahatti, an advocate at the Alternative Law Forum, Bangalore that busts the myth.
Gender Disparity in the Lawmakers and Protectors

The following 3 facts indicate the Gender disparity that exists in our lawmakers. 

a) Drafting the Constitution of India

There were only 15 women members in the Constituent Assembly comprising of 299 members led by B.R. Ambedkar who debated and drafted the Constitution of India. Only a mere 5% of women had a say in the drafting of the supreme law of the country.
b) Low representation of women in Parliament
The following extract from an article in ‘The Wire’ lays bare the dismal statistics of women in politics.
The Parliament makes the laws of the country. A mere 11.8% of women have a say in the laws made by the supreme legislative body of our country. 
c) Low representation of women in the Indian Judiciary
Our Courts uphold the rule of law. And yet after 70 years of the judiciary, we have 1 current woman Supreme Court Judge out of a total of 25 i.e. 4% with the historical numbers being 6 out of 229 i.e. 2.6%. Senior Advocate Indu Malhotra is set to join the current sitting judge– Justice Bhanumati, with the latter set to retire in 2020. We have never had a woman Chief Justice of India. 
The state of the High Courts is slightly better with 4 Chief Justices and 68 women judges comprising of 10.86% of the total number of judges.
How can our lawmakers and protectors be expected to uphold the law in its true spirit of Feminism when wide gender disparity is present in these systems?
Our laws
  1. Several laws have been enacted to protect the rights of women. And yet the sex ratio in India is on the decline!
  2. Many laws and provisions do not reflect the spirit of Feminism. In an extensive ana 2014 UN Report found several aspects lacking in our laws. The report finds the Hindu Succession Act 1956 to contain provisions that favour the husband’s family. According to the report the implementation of the Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 has been weak and how the courts have interpreted the definition of “dowry” narrowly. Read a summary of the report as published by digital news outlet, Quartz India.
  3. Some laws and provisions that would further the cause of Feminism are waiting to be enacted
      • Criminalizing Marital Rape – By not considering marital rape as an offence, today we are condoning domestic violence.
      • Women’s Political Participation Act – We know from about the lack of women in our law making bodies and yet this law is waiting to be passed.
      • Decriminalizing homosexuality – Feminism propagates equality for all and hence stands against the discrimination of the members of the LGBTQ community
      • Amending the Medical Termination Of Pregnancy Act, 1971 – The conditions under which an abortion can be carried out are too rigid. Women must have more rights over their body.
    • Some provisions are biased in favour of women and wrongfully so – such as the provision for adultery in the IPC. 
              1. Section 497, Indian Penal Code, 1860 makes adultery (sexual intercourse not amounting to rape) in marriage a crime with punishment up to 5 years of imprisonment or with fine or both. 

                It suffers from constitutional vices because it is tilted in favour of the women for the following reasons:
                • A woman cannot be punished under the section for adultery and neither does she have the right to prosecute her own husband for adultery. Only the aggrieved husband has the right to prosecute the accused husband.
                • Adultery with a married woman is a punishable offense and not that with an unmarried woman
                • If a woman commits adultery with the consent or owing to the connivance of her husband, then it is not considered a criminal offense at all. This reduces the woman to be the ‘property of her husband’
                • The woman who commits adultery is not considered an abettor and is not liable to punishment under the section.
                              Here is an extract from a reputed legal source that summarizes the issue beautifully.

                            Sec 497 of the IPC must be amended to reflect gender equality. In view of the fact that adultery is not a threat to society, there have also been  recommendations that the section needs to be decriminalized. 

                            5. Patriarchy has not spared our justice system:

                            1. Judgements: Forcing Husband To Get Separated From His Parents, Amounts To ’Cruelty’ – this is a SC judgement. There are several others like these. But if our judges are primarily men who have been socially conditioned to believe in certain norms of our society, we can’t really blame them.
                            2. Legal Language: Social activist Avantika Tiwari highlights the patriarchal tone in the language of the law in her spirited article commenting on the provisions of Section 354 and 509 of the Indian Penal Code. Section 354 deals with “criminal assault of women to outrage women’s modesty”, and Section 509 speaks of punishing an individual /individuals for using a “word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.” What this means is…
                            3. From the above analysis, we can see that a lot has been done by our Indian Legal System to bring down gender inequality. However loopholes in the provisions, bottlenecks in their implementation, gender disparity in justice system and non- existence of some important laws defeat the principle of Feminism. 
                              While in most cases, it favours the male gender, the provision for adultery is skewed in favour of the woman. The imbalance in both cases must be rectified. While social conditioning is required to change the perceptions and behaviours of people, a robust and supportive legal system will accelerate the transformation. 

                              Disclaimers: 

                              I am not a law professional. I have studied some aspects of law. But overall my understanding of law is basic. The research for the entire article is based on secondary resources and some help from some lawyer friends who also helped vet this post. 

                              I am no Kamla Bhasin, the famous Feminist and Activist. I am at the nascent stage of the Feminism journey. I am still speaking from personal experiences or learning from other feminist voices. 

                              As I live, I shall learn. In case someone who is reading this knows more about Law or Feminism or both, do let me know. I promise to hear you out and incorporate changes if so need be. 
                            Reading time: 7 min
                            A-Z Challenge 2018, Feminism

                            Is Feminism killing Femininity?

                            April 11, 2018 by ashwini 23 Comments

                            Through this post I would like to answer the important question: Is Feminism killing Femininity?
                            What is Feminism really?
                            Feminism believes in Equality. It anti-injustice. 
                            Feminism questions gender norms. It condemns patriarchy and empowers women. 
                            Feminism does not propagate supremacy of women. Neither is it anti-men. Nor is it against our culture. 
                            Now let us see why some people think that this egalitarian principle is considered anti-feminine and whether this assumption holds any water. Here are some Myths about Feminism:
                            Feminists don’t like girly things
                            Here is the first paragraph from Wikipedia on Femininity
                            Femininity (also called girlishness, womanliness or womanhood) is a set of attributes, behaviours, and roles generally associated with girls and women. Femininity is partially socially constructed, being made up of both socially-defined and biologically-created factors. This makes it distinct from the definition of the biological female sex, as both males and females can exhibit feminine traits.
                            It sure seems so that Wikipedia supports Feminism. Because of this line – ‘This makes it distinct from the definition of the biological female sex, as both males and females can exhibit feminine traits.’
                            From the above line, it can be deduced that femininity is not restricted to just the female gender! Even males can be feminine. And if you are a Feminist, you will not think less of a man who is effeminate. I loved this answer from Manu Kanchan on Quora about how Feminism expands the idea of womanhood.
                            Now femininity is also socially constructed. So it could change from time to time. It doesn’t have to be a rigid definition. 
                            The #LikeAGirl campaign threw light on the fact that sexism sets in from a very young age. It asked the important question why “run like a girl” could not mean “win the race”.
                            By the above logic, why does femininity have to mean “delicate” or “submissive”?
                            Why can’t femininity mean “strong” or “independent”? 
                            Feminism doesn’t lay down rules and regulations on how people need to look or behave. As long as they are aware of their rights, 
                            Feminism does not have a problem with people embracing their femininity whichever way they define it. 

                            Feminists are not feminine and hence are not attractive
                            Traditionally women had to look a particular way (read: long hair, clear skin, pink cheeks, petite figure) to be considered feminine and hence attractive. But why does a world filled with millions of women, need to fit one mould? And why should they give in to someone else’s definition? Why can’t a strong or independent woman still be attractive to men? A secure and evolved man will be attracted to the qualities that make a woman stand out rather than those that make her fit in.
                            Just like the definition of femininity is open to interpretation, so is the subject of attraction. 
                            Femininity is a part of our culture while feminism is not
                            Femininity has traditionally been associated with stereotypical roles based on stereotypical behaviours. Based on the notion that women are more kind and caring, they have been expected to play roles of caregivers: homemakers, doctors, teachers etc. Feminism questions these norms. It encourages women to pursue a profession most suited to their individual strengths. Division of labour in earlier times was based on strength. Today when jobs are all about mental abilities and aptitude, the traditional roles don’t make sense. But it does not make it against our culture or tradition. 

                            People define their culture, not the other way around.
                            Feminism has killed romance
                            Some people argue that Feminism is unromantic. I would vehemently disagree. It is the Feminist that wears its rose-tinted glasses and imagines a world where a woman is truly at the centre of her own world. She doesn’t need permission from anyone to pursue her dreams. She doesn’t have to wait for her Prince Charming; she could pursue him. He doesn’t have to be the only one lighting the scented candles, she could surprise him as well. 

                            When a balance is achieved in giving and receiving, both men and women can experience romance.
                            Feminists traded femininity for power
                            Now, I have to admit that women have in the past, tried to look like a man by wearing trousers to work so that they would fit in. Today more and more women dress whichever way the wish. But when Feminism preaches equality, it does not mean men and women have to look alike. According to Feminism, anyone who has the capabilities to get to the corner office, he/she must sit in it. It should not matter what they look like or wear. 
                            One’s gender definitely should not be an impediment to their professional pursuits.
                            From the above I guess it is clear that – 

                            Feminism hasn’t killed Femininity. It has redefined it.
                            Reading time: 4 min
                            A-Z Challenge 2018, Feminism

                            Jaane do nahin…Jaane do

                            April 10, 2018 by ashwini 11 Comments

                            How many times have you heard this phrase – ‘Jaane do’? Translated as ‘Let it go’, it is uttered by many of us who hate confrontations. 
                            • ‘The shopkeeper cheated me.’ 

                                       -‘Jaane Do. It’s only 10 rupees’

                            • ‘The teacher was unfair to me.’ 

                                     -‘Jaane do. Study harder next time.’

                            • ‘It felt so uncomfortable to be continually stared at the bus stop by that creepy son of Mr. Agarwal.’ 

                                       -‘(Swear words followed by a Sigh) Jaane Do! You just be more careful and alert.  Never wait alone at the bus stop. Wait with your friends.’ 

                            •  ‘I want to go on a Solo Trip mom. Jaane do na?’ 

                                         -‘No. Are you mad? It’s not safe. Spend you Holidays learning something useful.

                            Did you picture a girl talking to her mother in the last 2 conversations? 
                            Did the ‘Jaane Do’ in the answers seem unjustified in the last 2 cases? 
                            In case you answered ‘Yes’ for both the questions, you know what I ‘m talking about. 
                            We remove ourselves from the situation when things go wrong by saying ‘Jaane Do’. We convince ourselves that we are doing the right thing by saying No when she asks ‘Jaane Do’ (translated as ‘Let me go’). 
                            Crimes against women are on the rise. According to the 2016 statistics published by the National Crime Records Bureau, ‘Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage her Modesty’ comprises of 25% of cases. 19% of the reported cases fell under the ‘Kidnapping & Abduction of Women’ category and 11.5% of the cases were categorized as ‘Rape’. We all know that a large percentage of cases go unreported because of victim shaming. I have already spoken about this in my earlier post – ‘He Who Must Not be Named or Shamed’. 
                            Don’t you think that the crimes are rising because of our ‘Jaane Do’ attitude? 

                            She will go out. 
                            Kamla Bhasin, famous Feminist and activist, in this wonderful poem recital ‘Main bhi baahar jaaongi’ or #IWillGoOut, expresses so beautifully why a woman will go out of the house. 
                            Women can and must leave their homes to achieve their dreams. They have a right to their independence. And no one has the right to take it from them. 
                            I was mighty impressed by this short film by Anurag Kashyap – ‘That Day After Every Day’ where three seemingly normal lower middle-class women take matters into their own hands to ensure that their independence is not snatched away by some dhobi ke ladke in their locality. Even though subject to patriarchy, these women didn’t succumb to the ‘Jaane Do’ philosophy propagated by their family members and earned their right to safety. The story ends on a very inspirational note indicating that when we stand up for our rights, we earn respect. 
                            A woman’s safety is not her responsibility alone. 
                            I may sound impractical and ideological. But I believe this. I read an empowering article, where the author Anushree talks about how she stalked a stalker and foiled his plans. Even though she pushed this old man to prevent him from flashing and assaulting a young girl he was following on the streets, she still regretted not having intervened earlier! Anushree was also a woman. Yet she decided she must help a stranger…because it was the right thing to do. 
                            How many of us look away or walk faster when we see a woman being teased? Again the non-confrontational attitude rears its ugly head. What we don’t realize is that every time we ignore injustice, we are also reducing the chances of getting any help when, god forbid we or our family members need it! 
                            Ok here is a scenario. It is late in the night. A young and attractive girl is stranded in a lonely area because her car is broken down. A group of creepy looking guys in an SUV spot her and drive towards her. Are you thinking rape? Is it not possible to even imagine any other scenario? Watch this short film ‘Going Home’ by Vikas Bahl starring Alia Bhatt to know what happens. 
                            In order to prevent our houses from being robbed, we ensure that there are CCTV cameras everywhere and reach out to our neighbours so that they help us in our times of need. But when it comes to women’s safety rather little has been achieved. We still have may poorly lit lanes and corners where creepy predators wait for their innocent preys. We still have very poor police vigilance in most areas. Read this article that talks about how the Nirbhaya Fund allocated for preventing sexual assaults on women is unspent! 
                            There are some developments in the tech-space such as emergency features incorporated in phones or watches. But I am not sure about their effectiveness. I had tried testing Ola’s SOS feature once but it didn’t work. While doing research for this piece, I read about this Mobile App – ‘Safetipin’ which collects information about public spaces via a safety audit that can be carried out by anyone. The crowd sourced app records and displays information fed in by its users on nine parameters and gives a Safety Score to an area. Read more about the App and her motivations behind creating such a mobile application, in the words of the Founder Kalpana Viswanath, a prominent women’s rights activist. 

                            Now a crowd sourced app will need citizen participation. I wonder if it is our Jaane Do attitude that comes in the way of us even knowing about, forget installing and using such an app! 
                            I am an Incorrigible Feminist. I want the world to give the same rights to women as they do to men. I am not saying that men are not assaulted or raped. They are and that is just as wrong and must be prevented. But nobody tells a man to sit at home lest they get raped. But in case of a woman, unfortunately people think that is the best solution. 
                            There are some fundamental things that are wrong with our society. These factors are causing men to rape women or assault them or eve-tease them. And no it’s not because of ‘chowmein’. There are reasons why not enough is being done for women’s safety. I don’t know the reasons. But I do know that we need to spend more time focussing on these rather than locking our women behind the doors. Today the perpetrators of crimes against women don’t feel fear while the women live with constant fear of their modesty being snatched from them. This must change. 
                            Please don’t say ‘Jaane Do’ and definitely don’t stop her from ‘Jaane Do.’ Don’t let it be. Let her go. Let’s work together to make the world a safer place for women.
                            Reading time: 6 min
                            A-Z Challenge 2018, Feminism

                            I am an Incorrigible Feminist. When will you become one?

                            April 9, 2018 by ashwini 18 Comments
                            Why I am an Incorrigible Feminist
                            I have always been someone who did her own thing. And I never cared for what is supposed to be done. That’s pretty much the point of feminism – women should be able to lead their lives the way they want to and not be judged for it.
                            So if I lead a life that’s already fine, why do I advocate Feminism?
                            Because what I see and hear and read, makes me cringe. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am sensitive. My sensitivity makes me want to right every wrong that happens to me and around the world. It makes me want fairness everywhere and all the time. I support LGBTQ rights. I don’t believe in the caste system. I don’t judge a person for their beliefs and customs until they try and push it down other people’s throats.
                            Since I am a Feminist, my world will only make sense when everyone in it is a Feminist. Because that’s when we will treat everyone as equal.

                            If you think that I am wearing rose-tinted glasses…you are either a Tired Feminist or a Sexist. I truly believe that people either believe in equality or they don’t. Those who do and have given up because they don’t see things changing are the one’s I call Tired Feminists. As an Incorrigible Feminist, I hope to motivate the Tired Feminist. But pushing my beliefs on a Sexist is against my belief. It’s only when we have more conversations will things change for the better.

                            Here is an example of me raising my voice and how it resulted into an important conversation:

                            I recently viewed a video online on the Film Companion YouTube Channel where Anupama Chopra interviewed newbies Ishaan Khattar and Malavika Mohanan as a part of their promotions for the Majid Majidi movie – Beyond the clouds.

                            Now I felt that there was gender inequality at play when I viewed the video. So what did I do? I wrote a comment making a suggestion for a small step towards Gender Equality. You can view the video and read the comment here. I have also attached a screenshot of the comments I received. I was very polite. But I received comment after comment as to how impractical my request was. Then a male feminist (Nilanjan Dey) entered the conversation and wrote a rather large comment agreeing with me. Suddenly the tone of the conversation changed. As I write this, people are still replying to my comment.

                            I have learnt 2 important things from this experience of mine:

                            1) We need to have more of these conversations on public platforms.

                            2) Sexist men will prefer to have the feminism conversation with a male feminist. 

                            It is important to understand a sexist’s journey
                            As a Feminist, I take a stand against what I see as injustice. Just as I have had my own journey that has led me to here, a sexist has his/ her own journey. (Yes, women can also be sexists.) Have you ever said ‘Be a man!’ or ‘Career girls don’t make good wives?’ Then you are a sexist. Read here to know some more sexist things we say all the time.
                            But maybe you are a sexist because you don’t know any better. You may have been brought up to behave a certain way and to believe certain things. Maybe you are so comfortable with gender norms that you have lost your ability to empathize with women’s issues. Maybe you just don’t know how it feels to be in a woman’s shoes. 
                            When you watch this documentary by Quint- ‘Rape is Consensual: Inside Haryana’s Rape Culture’, you realize the extent of sexism prevalent in Haryana. I don’t know what it would take, I must confess, to change the minds of such a large section of people. But I hope and pray people come together and really try to make a positive change in this direction.

                            The importance of reaching the middle ground before the final goal

                            The path to gender equality is a long one and we have to reach the goal together. Women can’t reach the destination by themselves. In a world where men and women have to live together, the only way out is through compassion and conversation. 
                            To all those who have been told that ‘There is a reason why things are the way they are and don’t question it’, I have a request. I came across a short web-series of 4 episodes of around 15 minutes each – ‘Man’s world’ that could change your mind. Here is the link to the first episode. It would be great if you invested around one hour to view the videos. If you still think like the protagonist ‘Pavan’ in the beginning of Episode 1 (i.e. that women are privileged, they crib too much and that marital rape is ok) let’s discuss. In case you agree with what ‘Kiran’ says at the end of the 4th Episode, then you are a #FeministHero and I definitely want to interact with you.
                            I agree with Kiran. I believe that it isn’t a Man Vs. Women War. It isn’t about rules. It’s about ‘Give Respect and Get Respect’. It is about ‘Live and Let live’. I believe that things will only improve when men and women talk more and understand each other’s perspectives. Hopefully we see each other’s point of view and take a step closer to gender equality.
                            My husband supports me in every decision I take. Because he likes seeing me happy. And I am happy when I talk about my idealistic philosophies. So…he listens to me when I speak to him about Feminism. But there is a rule… only 1 conversation per day on Feminism. He says it becomes too “heavy” beyond that. I abide by that rule. Because it’s important that we talk. He also calls my bluff when I ask him to do something that I very well can do for myself. And points out when my ranting requires some toning down. 
                            I am an Incorrigible Feminist. I will speak my mind. But I will also listen to you. I will do my bit to make a small change in the world. Will you?
                            Reading time: 5 min
                            A-Z Challenge 2018, Feminism

                            He Who Must Not Be Named or Shamed

                            April 8, 2018 by ashwini 14 Comments

                            In the fantasy series of Harry Potter, Lord Voldemort was the main antagonist who chose evil means to become the supreme ruler. The Dark Lord’s terror was so widespread that people were too scared to take his name.

                            Harvey Weinstein was the Dark Lord of Hollywood. His power and influence trumped that of many A-list actresses. There were hushed whispers of ‘You-Know-Who’ all along in Hollywood but fearing the worst, they all protected ‘He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’.  

                            Now young Harry Potter bravely took Voldemort’s name because Dumbledore had wisely advised him, “Call him Voldemort, Harry…Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself.”  

                            Just like Harry, a few brave women decided to end Harvey Weinstein’s reign of terror. They decided enough was enough and raised their voice against the sexual harassment they were subjected to by the movie mogul. 

                            In a span of a few months over 50 women came forward made allegations against Weinstein. And he was taken to task. His membership at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was revoked. His company TWC is facing bankruptcy and his wife left him.

                            Some more powerful names are facing sexual harassment allegations in Hollywood today. But did the world pay attention only because celebrities were complaining of abuse? I think so.  

                            Was the #MeToo campaign pointless? 

                            Following the Harvey Weinstein scandal, Actress Alyssa Milano wrote a call-out on Twitter asking followers to share their stories of sexual harassment and assault using the phrase “Me too.” But she was not the who created the campaign. The campaign was started 10 years ago by a Black woman! Tarana Burke is the original creator of the #MeToo campaign. It was to be a catchphrase of solidarity.

                            It took 10 years and social media for the #MeToo movement to reach the women across the world. So many women publicly claimed that they were abused.  Many abused women were too scared to join it. And yet the campaign did validate the severity of the issue. 
                            But what happened after they said #MeToo? Nothing really. For most women the campaign was a toothless revolution.
                            There is no robust system to name the abuser

                            All the sexual offenders who have threatened their victims of severe consequences in case they confess to anything, are abusing someone else today. That’s the scary truth. They are just as scared of the society’s reactions as much as they are of the abuser’s power. And where’s the support?!

                            Do our HR/ Sexual Harassment teams have the power to overthrow their CEO for Sexual Harassment? Unlikely given the loss of reputation that the company would have to deal with. It’s not that women don’t have faith in the legal system or the police. But can they be assured of a closure?

                            No. The system as it stand today needs to get tighter.

                            We need to shift the focus from the victim to the abuser

                            I think that the only way a sexual offender can be taken to task is for him to be publicly shamed. If only we had had a #HeToo campaign! Some efforts have made an effort to do so. 

                            In early January, Moira Donegan, a former New Republic editor,  came forward as the creator of a crowd sourced “Shitty Media Men” list. The Google spreadsheet was a collection of names of men in magazines and publishing who were  known to be sexual predators. The list was meant to be a private document with the aim of women warning other women. It was a safe means for women to finally name those who had violated them. In a matter of hours, the document reached far and wide and became public. Even though Donegan didn’t intend it, some names that appeared in the sheet were investigated by their employers resulting in their resignations or their removal!
                            Of course Donegan faced a lot of criticism for her approach and many questioned the validity of the names. But what other option was available! Donegan was not the only person to start these anonymous spreadsheets. There were others. The gender pay gap at Google was revealed via a spreadsheet! In the absence of faith in formal channels, women shall continue to choose anonymous means to express their distress against sexual harassment and other forms of gender discrimination.

                            It is not a Women Vs Men war

                            Sexual abuse must be looked down upon by everyone. Not just women.

                            In an earlier blog post, I wrote about how in a video. female comedian, Aditi Mittal spoke of a horrible incident of sexism at a discussion with fellow comedians Daniel Fernandes and Karunesh. She however refrained from taking his name. Karunesh did. Other men showed their support by posting positive comments to the video. 
                            In Aditi’s case, the perpetrator was an influential person in the comic community. And yet Karunesh did the right thing by calling him out. It not only frees Aditi from any pressure, it also sends a warning signal to other men. If you know of someone who abuses his power to violate a woman around you, it is your duty to raise your voice. 
                            It’s simple really. When you get hurt, you need someone to support you and take you to the doctor right? Well so many women are hurt! Who is up for supporting them? Men out there…speak out, please! You cannot keep quiet until something unspeakable happens to your mother, sister, daughter or friend! In the words of comedian and activist Nick Jack Pappas: “Men, Don’t say you have a mother, a sister, a daughter… Say you have a father, a brother, a son who can do better. We all can.”

                            Taking you back to Harry Potter to where Dumbledore displayed his sagacity:
                            “I say to you all, once again — in the light of Lord Voldemort’s return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort’s gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. It is my belief — and never have I so hoped that I am mistaken — that we are all facing dark and difficult times.”

                            Dumbledore I am sure was a feminist.  Because, his advice is also relevant in the fight against sexual harassment. The only way to stand up to sexual harassment is for men and women across the world to form a  united front. Time’s Up. We must all get together and create our own ‘Order of the Phoenix’ and defeat the Dark Lords in the real world. We need to take the first steps to a better future.
                            Reading time: 5 min
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                            About me

                            image Dreamer. Untamed Spirit. Freelance Writer & Blogger.

                            I try and keep my writing as honest as possible and write from the perspective of a 'Happy Feminist'. If you like reading heart-felt long posts on contemporary and relatable topics, you have reached the right place!

                            I also enjoy interviewing interesting personalities. If you are an author, a blogger, an entrepreneur, a sportsperson, or someone who believes your lifestory must be told, I am all ears! I would love to share it with the world. :)

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                            Ashwini's Perceptions

                            Popular Posts

                            Rape Culture Is Real

                            Rape Culture Is Real

                            Don’t let Gaslighting and other forms of emotional abuse make you forget your true self

                            Don’t let Gaslighting and other forms of emotional abuse make you forget your true self

                            What Women Don’t Want

                            What Women Don’t Want

                            Conversations about Gender Representation in Films and the Bechdel Test

                            Conversations about Gender Representation in Films and the Bechdel Test

                            Recent Posts

                            • Interview with Romila (Novemberschild), Author of ‘Midnight Musings’ #ashasks
                            • Interview with Surbhi Mahobia, Author of ‘Ten Tales’ #ashasks
                            • Interview with Priyanka, Author of ‘How I wrote my Comic Book: The Journey’ #ashasks
                            • Interview with Dr. Amrita Basu, Author of ‘7 Blogging challenges for a successful blog’ #ashasks
                            • Interview with Rashmi Jain, Author of ‘Be Wild Again’ #ashasks

                            Recent Comments

                            • Interview with Kanika G, Author of ‘Growing Pains’ #ashasks – Ashwini's Perceptions on Interview with Saba Irfan, Author of ‘The A2Z Of Globetrotting’ #ashasks
                            • Interview with Kanika G, Author of ‘Growing Pains’ #ashasks – Ashwini's Perceptions on Interview with Varadharajan Ramesh, Author of ‘Tales with a Twist’ #ashasks
                            • Interview with Kanika G, Author of ‘Growing Pains’ #ashasks – Ashwini's Perceptions on Interview with Tomichan Matheikal, Author of ‘Life’s Magic’ #ashasks
                            • Ashwini S. Menon on A Message in a Bottle: Flash Fiction for World Environment Day
                            • Kanika G on A Message in a Bottle: Flash Fiction for World Environment Day

                            Archives

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                            • March 2010 (2)
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