V Rage

How does it feel to fight for something that is already yours? Does it make sense to fight for the rights that have been already given to us?

I have been pondering over it for a long time now-ever since I heard about 'STOP THE V RITUAL'. For those who don't know about it, here's the story:

https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/sunday-read/meet-the-stop-the-v-ritual-cousins-who-are-fighting-the-kanjarbhat-communitys-demand-for-virginity-tests-on-brides/articleshow/62677606.cms?utm_source=mumbaimirror&utm_medium=Whatsapp&utm_campaign=referral

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ge7rRalP7U&feature=youtu.be

https://www.mid-day.com/articles/90-year-old-grandmother-female-executive-schoolgirls-challenge-virginity-test/18987150

I really felt proud of the bold step taken by my childhood friend, Priyanka. It hasn't been easy for her nor for the others who stand against this social evils. They receive threatening calls and face the risk of physical violence.

As I read the news articles, heard the story from her and saw the interviews, I could feel a rush of rage within me. In a time that we talk of development, empowerment and modernisation, we carry a baggage of rituals. We all have certain beliefs that seem rational to us, but someone else might find it irrational. There's nothing wrong in following the traditions that seem right to you, but is it right to enforce these beliefs on other individuals?  Is it correct to embarrass and insult our daughters or sisters in the society for nothing?

How practical and rational is the idea of enforcing your beliefs on someone just to cause embarrassment? How are women being empowered by it?
As a woman and a citizen of India, I have a right to enjoy my freedom and equal status that my Constitution offers me. I shouldn't be struggling to enjoy these basic rights. But on the contrary, our women struggle; struggle to have access to these rights. Some are not aware of these rights, some are too afraid to stand up for their rights, while those who stand up for their rights are faced with hatred, called names, beaten, raped or even killed.

I rage against these evil practices. I rage against the people who try to curb my freedom. I rage against the unequal treatment I receive. I rage against the fight for something that I deserve and belongs to me. I am not a garbage bin, and I won't keep accepting the thrash the society decides to throw in me.

Can you, as a woman, decide to stand up for yourself? Can you, as a man, decide to respect the individuality of a woman?
#VRage
#Stopthevritual