Feminism starts by doing small chores

I know, I know that's a very sensitive topic here. But How can I not write about it!! Some will even say I have picked up a live wire. But being a female in a country ‘जहां मुछो की चलती है’ how could I miss writing about on this!!!!! 

First of all, let me tell you that I took a gala to process the meaning of this word. I have absolutely no idea about the person who introduced this word in India. And like a wise person, I didn't want to jump into a discussion of this topic until I have a complete knowledge on it. Lucky for me, my quest did get over after I came across a book named ‘Feminist Rani’ by Shalini Chopra and Meghna Pant. What an inspiring book I have to say. I recommend that book to all of you.

Quite a few times I come across this question of whether I am a feminist or not. And to be honest, I had no answer for that, I remember being blank many times. Soon, I realized I wasn’t quite happy with the answers I had gotten from so-called intellectual people. Thus, it became my habit to avoid this question as much as possible. 

However, I decided to explore the idea of different definitions of the word feminism by a variety of people. Let me tell you, it was fun - way too much fun!! Yet, I didn't stop myself from exploring more and it turned out to be a great idea. 

During that venture, I moved back to my hometown (Yes people it is MOVED BACK not SHIFTED BACK please!!!) from Mumbai. Now, moving is a giant pain in the ass even for most people and I had to move my luggage into an old 3-storey building's apartment, which didn't have an elevator!! That afternoon I literally buckled my belt tight and somehow finally managed to get all my things on the top floor, without any help (I must add). MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!! And I had this strange feeling (which almost felt like satisfaction). I felt stronger, tougher, taller just by doing this small thing all by myself!! What a wonder I thought! 

That is the day I had an epiphany! Feminism isn’t just a word to explain, it is a feeling (Almost like love and sex for that matter of fact). It isn’t a definition to make someone understand. Ladies, let me share this, there is more to Feminism than what google says. If you really come to think of it, Feminism is pushing yourself ahead from the boundaries that were drawn by society norms (or by you for the matter of fact). I don't mean to say feminism is breaking the rules of society. But feminism is as simple as standing on your own feet rather than relying on anyone else.

Ladies, there are so millions of us who still look behind our shoulder timely for help because we were told we couldn’t do certain things, because men are physiologically stronger than us, because we aren't supposed to, because it's not our job, because that's not what a lady does, because that's male-thing, etc. Maybe that is true and just maybe we can’t do certain things the way the opposite gender can do, but that shouldn’t be the reason either to stop us from moving ahead. 

A well-known American singer Cher once said, “Men are like desserts. It is not necessary to have them but it should be a choice!” When you find yourself in such a state pat yourself on back for that achievement! 

Feminism for me would be pushing my boundaries from time to time and that starts from home, from the things I avoided doing alone. It can be something as easy as opening a bank account for yourself, or going to a completely new destination, or like me carrying my own bags! We as Indian women are always treated as second class citizens and I guess it is time to fight against our own fears and push back social norms to bring equality! Feminism isn’t limited to money, authority, freedom, status, boundaries; but it is to push your set limits and achieve the unthinkable and allow yourself to bloom.

Like Meghan Markle said in 2017, "Women need a seat at the table, they need an invitation to be seated there, and in some cases, when this isn't available then you know what? Then they need to create their own table".

 

The world will become a better place when we start empowering ourselves by breaking lines and helping each other as a team, the rest will slowly work out. One day at a time, ladies! Feminism is equality and I believe it belongs to everyone. Everyone deserves an equal right to live, to exist, to express. 

"Don't allow the world to set your limits, you're a human, not an ATM!"