WOMEN

“Mahesh Sharma’s advisory for tourists: No short skirts, no travelling alone at night.” This headline has probably already made its way to your Facebook and Twitter feed and back again in the last 48 hours. It’s referring to comments made by Union Minister Mahesh Sharma during a press conference on Sunday at the popular tourist destination, Agra. Sharma warned female foreigners against wearing skirts or venturing “out alone at night in small cities” in India. His statement mimicked the existing sexist rhetoric rampant in international dialogues around crimes against women: It’s the woman’s fault. Her clothes were some sort of provocation. Why was…

On Marth 8th, my maid borrowed money to take her alchoholic and hypochondriac husband to the doctor...the fourth time in a week. The lady who sells vegetables  in the local market told me how all the vendors were "cleared" last week and have slowly started drifting back...at increased "hafta" rates. The flower seller in front of the temple told me her 2-year-old daughter was suffering from high fever,and she had to come to sell flowers to be able to make enough to take her to the doctor. "Happy Woman's Day," we privileged ones say to each other. For many of…

On Marth 8th, my maid borrowed money to take her alchoholic and hypochondriac husband to the doctor...the fourth time in a week. The lady who sells vegetables  in the local market told me how all the vendors were "cleared" last week and have slowly started drifting back...at increased "hafta" rates. The flower seller in front of the temple told me her 2-year-old daughter was suffering from high fever,and she had to come to sell flowers to be able to make enough to take her to the doctor. "Happy Woman's Day," we privileged ones say to each other. For many of…

Pink advertisements are all over the media. It’s raining offers for women all over e-commerce websites. A newspaper carries the T-20 cricket schedule, where a pink section highlights the schedule for women’s T-20 cricket matches. It’s March 8th — International Women’s Day!  Happy Women's Day to all our readers! While saluting the women, it is also important to remember their contribution to society. The involvement of women in civic activism in the city of Bengaluru has made it all only better and better. Women are in all the fields that matter to Bengaluru—waste management, saving lakes, helping shape the public policy…

Pink advertisements are all over the media. It’s raining offers for women all over e-commerce websites. A newspaper carries the T-20 cricket schedule, where a pink section highlights the schedule for women’s T-20 cricket matches. It’s March 8th — International Women’s Day!  Happy Women's Day to all our readers! While saluting the women, it is also important to remember their contribution to society. The involvement of women in civic activism in the city of Bengaluru has made it all only better and better. Women are in all the fields that matter to Bengaluru—waste management, saving lakes, helping shape the public policy…

A little off the city, on Mysore Road after the Kengeri township, it is hard to miss the ultra-colourful stuffed toys being sold by the kerb. Makers of these toys are the members of more than 20 families migrated from Naklav village, Jharkhand, a decade ago. Their profession back home was making mortar and pestle and statues. They have made Bengaluru their home now, but sadly they do not even hold an address proof. Even after all these years, very few of their children get to attend schools. One among them is Pooja. Pooja is ony 18, cute and shy…

A little off the city, on Mysore Road after the Kengeri township, it is hard to miss the ultra-colourful stuffed toys being sold by the kerb. Makers of these toys are the members of more than 20 families migrated from Naklav village, Jharkhand, a decade ago. Their profession back home was making mortar and pestle and statues. They have made Bengaluru their home now, but sadly they do not even hold an address proof. Even after all these years, very few of their children get to attend schools. One among them is Pooja. Pooja is ony 18, cute and shy…

Should moms be expected to dress like, well, moms? Meaning, they shouldn't look like attractive women, avoid “sexy” clothing, and only wear shapeless outfits and er, those dreaded “mom” jeans. On the other hand, if a mom is comfortable with herself and, her body, shouldn't she wear exactly what she wants? Even if it is to pick up her child from school. Actually, the answer is not so simple. Because sometimes, a mom in sexy, figure-hugging clothing, is considered “inappropriately-dressed” and her parenting skills, called into question. Because sometimes a mom in a sphagetti top and shorts can be considered…

Should moms be expected to dress like, well, moms? Meaning, they shouldn't look like attractive women, avoid “sexy” clothing, and only wear shapeless outfits and er, those dreaded “mom” jeans. On the other hand, if a mom is comfortable with herself and, her body, shouldn't she wear exactly what she wants? Even if it is to pick up her child from school. Actually, the answer is not so simple. Because sometimes, a mom in sexy, figure-hugging clothing, is considered “inappropriately-dressed” and her parenting skills, called into question. Because sometimes a mom in a sphagetti top and shorts can be considered…

So an out-of-town cop beat up his daughter in public, over an alleged affair. People, including the girl's own mother, stood by and watched. I am sure the mother was distraught. But she did nothing. Two women passers-by (may their tribe increase!) came to the girl's rescue and called the local cops. But in the end, the daughter failed to file a complaint. No surprises there. Perhaps the daughter is used to this kind of behaviour. Perhaps the mother gets beaten up too, back in their home town. Perhaps both mom and daughter are conditioned to expect this abuse from…