Rise of Feminism

What makes one human being think that they own another--that a woman is just a commodity that can be used then abused, verbally, physically, and sexually. I'm sitting here, trying to continue this post, but I can't find words that articulate the disgust, anger, and pain I'm feeling right now.

Today, I interviewed Naukrani Devi. A woman who has been abused in such a way, that her husband has even brought other men home to sexually abuse her as they please. This sick, twisted, ass hole of a man, beats her to a pulp everyday, sleeps with her at least once every night, and gives her 300 rupees per month (less than 8 dollars) to feed herself and her three children. She pees in her kitchen, she has forgotten how to cook, but still, she continues her miserable life every day.

"What do you think of your life," I asked her. She replied by drawing an analogy to an unsewn salwar kameez. If someone sews it, well and good, if not, she's just got to get through until it's thrown out. "I'm used to it by now, afterall, it's my life we're talking about."

I never thought of myself as a feminist. Though many have said it, including those who know me best, I've always denied it. I thought of myself as a humanist instead, believing in 'true equality.' But how can you talk about true equality when women are being raped by their own husbands? How can you imagine equality when they are seen as a dollar sign with a dowry attached? How can you be an equal, when you are a burden as a woman?

I'm a feminist. End of story. Next time someone says it to my face, I'll take it as a compliment.

S.