I'm a Woman, So What?

It’s a dark night. Shadows are playing hide and seek with the light. Three women stand against the wall in a deserted alleyway, having a good time. A man suddenly comes into sight. His eyes become wide and a moment of fear passes, after which he decides to try and go unnoticed till the main road, would come in sight. Keeping his head low, he walks on acting oblivious, yet completely alert. A bunch of whistling and cat calls makes him increase his pace – going back isn’t an option. But before he knows it, they have him cornered to the wall and don’t let go. He’s trapped and doomed.

A boy and girl are going out for a date. The girl makes the plan. The girl picks him up. She is surprised at the fact he doesn’t starve and eats real food. She is shocked at how he actually has a sense of humor and astounded that his blonde hair doesn’t mean he is stupid. The boy has a curfew. He texts his mom to confirm she is dropping him home – it would be stupid and dangerous to go home alone (or at least without a girl) at that time!

Guys, it doesn’t sound so good when the roles are reversed, right? It sucks much more when you experience the same thing yourself. I’m a woman, so what? Is being a woman that much of a crime that you kill us before we are even born? Does that make me a lesser human being? Does that make me less capable of doing stuff men do? Why does my gender imply whether I’m an easy target or not? Why does it have an impact on how much importance is given to what I have to say?  Why should being a woman limit my employment opportunities? Why should we have to be cautious of the time, place and people all the time? Why are all of us subjected to dense stereotypes and how long is it going to take for the world to get over it?

Feminism is an idea. And like an idea, it is growing everyday and has different perspectives. I feel feminism is all about having a society where men and women have equal rights and are on the same level. Unlike what many people believe, I feel it’s as much for men as well. Just how women are expected to take care of a family because that’s what they are ‘biologically’ made for, let their dreams fly away and settle down, men are expected to not show any weakness (like crying), display their masculinity by flaunting their strength and have a ‘sex-driven mind’. If they don't, they are ridiculed and mocked by their peers. In India, women are expected to respect their husbands and men are told to ask for their respect. Mutual respect is ideal, yet in some cases, women are denied of that too. That’s just the way our society has been functioning, which is also exactly why you need feminism to free men from these preposterous beliefs as well! It should be okay for them to get emotional and show some empathy once in a while!

Gender shouldn't matter. Both must be treated equally. Once again our thinking must change.

You’re a man, so what? I’m a woman, so what?

‘Cause in the end? We’re all human.

Kanksha :)

So what are your views on feminism???

And as always, thanks for reading!