In recent months the streets of India have been riddled with the cries of suppressed women who are protesting their mistreatment after thousands of years. After recent brutal rape cases ending in the deaths of the victims, these women took action.
In Indian law, rape is legal. In their culture the woman is believed to be less than the man and is treated with very little respect.
In a country with a female president and a new rape of a woman occurring every 26 minutes, according to Openspace.org.in, I am given whiplash.
How can a country with a female president be the fourth most dangerous country to women? It baffles me. These brave actions of these female protesters have inspired the women of surrounding countries including Pakistan, in which women have taken to nonviolent protest as well.
I highly advocate stronger laws against rape in these countries, and while asking for equal rights may be a little far-fetched, one can only hope. The progressive nature and drive in these women is an inspiration to me and makes me appreciate the privileges I have.
The brave women before me have never been more respected by me. I take advantage of the fact that I don’t have to stand next to a man to take a trip to the grocery store, that I can have the same jobs as men, and that I can type these words out for you to read.
Brave women marched the streets with me and my future in mind, and I don’t ever give them thought. I think it’s about time that I do.
They pushed the boundaries to vote for their leaders, to be able to speak their minds publicly, and to give me the rights I have today. Women are CEO’s, hold public office, and are undoubtedly equal in our society.
I wish the best of luck to my fellow women overseas, and I hope that one day, girls like me can write freely of how they inspired them as well.