Language of Silence

“Too many women in too many countries speak the same language of silence”
It just took one simple line for Mrs. Hilary Clinton to break the sound barriers of centuries and convey a powerful message to humanity. (Courtesy of the thought- our very own Indian born Anusaya Sengupta) “In today’s world women hold up half the sky. In most countries its more than half”.
While ironically in half of the world, we hear women getting nominated for Presidential posts, women winning Academy Awards for the portrayal of yet another potent woman, women flying in space and women hosting the most prestigious Oscars, the remaining half still lingers in ignorance where male dominance and fear of rejection from the opposite sex is predominant. Isn’t it a coincidence that just before the occasion of Woman’s Day when we are supposed to celebrate “Her”, we hear reports of abuse, violence and exploitation? Our newspapers seem to be incomplete without reports on women (including our Bollywood beauties) getting threatened, raped or bashed up. India’s maternal mortality rates in rural areas are among the world’s highest.
In today’s world that is being haunted by the evil forces of gender discrimination, wife-battering and male supremacy, walking the tight rope and staying alive is a daunting challenge. And in such a turbulent situation where everyone seems to be in turmoil over the meaning of woman and her role in the society, it is of course a positive sign when bold attempts are made by the same tormented women to raise their voice against the apparent injustice.
It is about time that we, the women make sure that we are more than just a liability. At least this year let’s quit the fancy cocktail parties and give up acknowledging the fake woman. Let’s celebrate the real woman, the one who stands up among the rest along with her immense tolerance. Let us all applaud those who at least attempted at giving up the language of silence. Let us put our hands together for that maid of yours who did your household chores every single day irrespective of a black eye and battered face. Mind you, she is no different from the women next door whose bruises are hidden under her heavy make-up but are equally deep –rooted.
Nobody can deny that once you are conceived as an Indian female you are automatically entitled to these evils of inequity, unfairness, ill treatment and powerlessness. (And I’m clearly aware that I’m living in a 21st Century when I say this.) Of course, being whistled at in public places and other forms of being a subject to disrespect come as mandatory.
That this world is full of unfairness and bias. Let's accept that. And let's resist it against the depth and sanctity of womanand learn to live with it.