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A-Z Challenge 2018, Feminism, Hindi, Poems

ज़माने को चलो बदलते हैं (Zamaane ko chalo badalte hain) Hindi Poem

April 30, 2018 by ashwini 12 Comments
Essence of the Hindi Poem in English
Come, let’s change the world, let’s walk towards a new era
Let’s accept that some lives are incomplete
Let’s listen to every voice, let’s give courage to every scream
Let’s not hide our differences under the blankets of tradition
Let’s ask ourselves what our gender has got to do with our dreams
Let’s differentiate between ‘My truth’ and ‘The truth’
Let’s work continuously towards creating a world without any differences
Let’s not compete, let’s work together. Come, let’s change the world
Join me. Let’s undertake the journey to equality together. 
Reading time: 1 min
A-Z Challenge 2018, Feminism, Poems

Visage

April 25, 2018 by ashwini 28 Comments

VISAGE
She looked in the mirror 
And searched for signs of beauty 
So futile, she reminded herself 
When her strength was her vanity 
The attack had melted the veneer 
But her face was not her only identity 
Her spirit was recovering 
She refused to live like a faceless entity 
The world had turned its back 
Judging her for the blisters of vengeance 
But she had done no wrong 
Then why was she begging for acceptance? 
Her damaged eyesight didn’t impair her vision 
Her crinkled body was now thick-skinned 
Her scarred lips didn’t quiver anymore 
Her shriveled ears tuned out the din 
She will put on her game face 
And contour a winsome future 
She will pursue justice 
For she was not a Victim but a Victor.
Three Acid Attack Victors that inspired this poem:
Pic Source: Deccan Chronicle
Laxmi Aggarwal is a 29 year old Acid Attack Victor who today is a television host, winner of the International Women of Courage Award and a mother. She survived an acid attack at the tender age of 15 when she rejected the love of the then 32 year old friend of her brother.

“I believe that acid resides inside a man’s heart before it reaches his hands and gets thrown at someone like me. Two minutes ago someone said they loved you and it took no more than those two minutes for them to do something that does not even kill you but condemns you to a life worse than death?”

Pic Source: thestorypedia.com
Reshma Quereshi was 17 when 2 attackers poured acid all over her face as instructed by her sister’s estranged husband. Today, she has a YouTube channel where she gives makeup tutorials, at the same time spreading awareness against acid attacks. She has also walked the ramp at the New York Fashion Week and the Surat fashion show for Archana Kocchar.
“There is more acceptance of acid attack victims abroad — however, perhaps less awareness. It’s complex, but abroad, especially the West, acid attack survivors are given rehabilitation, emotional care, carry on to get married and lead normal lives. In countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq… a person is defined by that attack for life. “

“People still stare a lot and feel sorry for me. They shouldn’t feel sorry for me, they should feel angry with me.”

Pic Source: TheLogicalIndian
Monika Singh, is a UN Women Global Youth Champion and has not let the stigma stop her from pursuing her dream of making her mark in the fashion world. She also wants to help other victims turn victors through the Mahendra Singh Foundation, named after their late father which she co-founded with her brother Nikhil in 2015.

“Hit hard back. Prove that you are a leader of your own life and no one can take that from you.”

An Acid Attack is a crime of revenge. Its main purpose is to disfigure the victim’s face. The physical and consequential social scars make a victim feel lonely, broken, shamed and un-loved. Since most of these crimes are against women, it is up to us as a society to question the sense of entitlement that allows a man to easily cross the threshold of disappointment to vengeance. According to statistics, 300 acid attacks take place every year in India but by taking into account an estimate of the unreported cases, this number could be as high as 1000. Acid attacks are punishable with up to 10 years in prison but with acid available fairly easily, the crimes are not being contained. Organizations such as Acid Survivors Foundation India (ASFI), Chhanv – a support centre for acid attack survivors  and Make Love Not Scars are providing some much needed support to the victors.
The worse aspect of the crime is the impact on the victim’s confidence. This is something that we as a society are responsible for. Obsessed with beauty, we shame others who do not match the conventional standard. Here’s the request, next time you see someone who has already been scarred, let’s not add to their troubles.
Let’s not stare. Let’s not express pity. Let’s smile at them. Let’s send across some positive vibes their way. They deserve it.

Let’s also begin to appreciate beauty in a non-superficial way. This will ensure that the attackers will not have an incentive to carry out the attacks in the first place!
Reading time: 3 min
A-Z Challenge 2018, Featured, Feminism, Poems

What Women Don’t Want

April 3, 2018 by ashwini 16 Comments

 

Patriarchy, Misogyny, Bigotry
No it is the ignorance silly that makes us angry.
‘Oh no don’t say angry, we don’t want to be known as crazy’
Ha! No more gaslighting or other means to make us doubt our own sanity!
‘Women don’t know what they want. They’re so flaky.’
Just one of those things that make us go -Why so judgy?
So here’s a list of things that we don’t want. Listen carefully.
Blame it on cultural conditioning if none of it makes sense to thee.
We don’t want rules and boundaries
We don’t always want the pressure of being a good girl or a lady
We don’t want to be superwomanly
Sometimes we just want to be lazy.
We don’t want to be pigeon-holed as pretty, hot or sexy
We don’t want to be judged for anything but our abilities
We don’t want to miss any opportunity
Just because we got married and had a baby
We don’t want to be ignored or put down needlessly
We don’t want to deal with any biases while ascending corporate hierarchy
We don’t want to work just because we need pocket money
We don’t want to quit work just to fulfill familial duties
We don’t want to do anything just to please the society
We don’t want to be told what should be our priorities
We don’t want to be groped or touched inappropriately
We don’t want our safety to be only our responsibility
We don’t want to be pressured into suffering abuse silently
We don’t want to be doubted when we report it regretfully
We don’t want big gestures, just some empathy
We don’t want reservation, just inclusivity
In this world that is talking about big things like gender fluidity
We don’t want anything more than being able to express our identity
We don’t want to piss off anyone majorly
But we also don’t want to lose our mental stability
We may raise our voice but don’t want complete anarchy
We just don’t want unfairness and hence are pursuing equality
Reading time: 1 min

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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