Breaking patriarchal norms: These women question prejudices, sexual oppression and gender bias in India

The structural hierarchy of Indian society, which puts patriarchy at the top of gender cycle, has been predominant in deciding how women lead their lives in India and elsewhere across the globe. 

With the Badaun gang-rape and murder case in the spotlight and Samajwadi Party leaders' lack of empathy, the issue of gender-based violence is surmounting on a daily basis. From the records, India has clearly lost the plot to curb the rising cases of rapes, laxity in convicting criminals and providing security to women. 

It is always women who have to face the brickbats and toe the line. Whether it is curbing freedom, being married off at an early age or giving preference to the boy child, this prejudice stems from the fact that parents treat the girl child as a liability rather than an asset. 

In this powerful video, which has many women questioning the very basis of the 'patriarchal mindset', there is a sense of angst and vehement anger at being wronged. The message is loud and clear—it's not just a feminist battle anymore, but goes beyond to fighting for a society where equal rights are ensured for everyone. 

Earlier powerful campaigns such as GotStarted.At by Dhruv Arora focused on creating awareness with powerful posters and campaigns about women safety whilst targeting the general archaic notion prevalent in India that "It's a woman's fault if she is violated because of variety of factors including dressing, lifestyle etc". While SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav's statement, "Boys will be boys, will you hang them for rape?" drew criticism from all quarters including UN General secretary Ban Ki-Moon, the change is yet to take place as India battles to safeguard women and children who are attacked and violated time and again! 

A powerful campaign by UN addressed issues of women freedom across the globe

In this powerful video, the women question the travesty created to subdue their rights and freedom. From political leaders and their insensitive comments to families meting out different to a girl child. From molestation to questioning a girl's morale if she dresses or lives her life on her own terms. 

Poignant, strong and a reminder of how things need to change in India, this video and the issue is something that we all need to think about. After all, every gaze, every thought and vision veering towards women oppression needs to be destroyed.

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