Respected male lawmakers,
When I use the prefix ‘respected’, it is because I demand the same from you and from everyone you represent. I am 50% of the population you represent. Sadly, my 50% share is limited only to population and not anywhere else. I am writing this to you as a self-assigned representative of all the women in this country, so, when I say ‘I’ it is ‘us’. It is the collective conscience of all of us struggling to let our voice be heard amidst the injustice that is being shoved upon us.
It boils my blood to say that this country pays attention to my existence only when I am raped. Otherwise, I am just insignificant. Even the level of outrage people display for crimes against me depends on my religion, caste and social order. I cannot blame them completely, though, as they reciprocate what they see and hear from the leaders who represent them. Every time I get raped, you are keen on milking my sorry state to yield more votes.
Your colleagues march in support of rapists. When I am exploited by all the religious houses in this country, you change your stand depending on what suits your vote bank politics. Do I not vote? Why does it not occur to you to be fair to a beaming 50% majority? I do not expect any bribe from you. I demand that you let me exercise my fundamental right as granted by our constitution. Is that too much to ask for?
A union minister describes rape as ‘small’ rape’. It is only for small minds like yours that it is small, not for me. Irrespective of the party divide, you all stand united in disgracing me at every opportunity you get. A speaker trivializes ‘rape’ in assembly and goes scot-free. I can only infer from all this that you are not concerned at all about me.
When I talk about sexual harassment through the #metoo campaign, my integrity is questioned, my morality doubted. I am asked to prove the violations. But who video records themselves being harassed?
And do you ever care to address issues concerning me more sensibly? I was told to bleed with an 18% tax. I am told to refrain from entering the shrine, as my presence will pollute the sanctity of the temple. I am told that the responsibility of protecting the institution of marriage in this country lies with me, in being raped by my husband without my consent. I am told to take sexist jokes lightly. I am called ‘demonic’ for laughing out loud. Lawmakers call me names for being vocal. Every single one of you has been silent. Which of you registered your support for me?
For nearly two decades, you cheated me by saying that there will be a 33% reservation for me. Powers changed hands but the carrots are still just dangling. You take immense pleasure in endorsing the apparent emancipation of women, masking the real, horrible state of women in this country.
I don’t care how long I shall be forced to suffer, but, I shall not accept this system at any point. I do not want to be called ‘Kali’ or ‘Shakti’. I am a human. Treat me like that. I deserve nothing less. I have little faith in you but, I am sure my voice will grow louder and louder until it breaks me free from the shackles of this society. I am my saviour.
I would like to remind you that I have learned to fight my own battles until my priorities are met, my concerns clarified, my questions answered. I will give you a hard time if you dare to be reckless with me. When you thrust your male privileged thinking into the laws that mandate a female perspective, I have no option but to revolt. I am not a minority. I am your better half.
I expect nothing short of equal treatment.
Angrily,
On behalf of Indian women.