Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
Fasting for over a decade, Irom Sharmila has been fighting for her people of Manipur with silent resilience and sheer determination.
In November 2000, 10 civilians were allegedly shot dead in Malom, Manipur. Known as the Malom Massacre, this tragic incident was the trigger that forced Sharmila to embark on a non-violent fast, demanding the Indian government to repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act – AFSPA. The AFSPA allows the Army to use force, shoot or arrest anyone without a warrant on mere suspicions. Many feel that instead of controlling insurgent groups as it was meant to, the act has instead victimized innocent civilians.
Known as the Iron Lady of Manipur, Sharmila has been fasting for more than a decade for her cause. While other activists and politicians who go on fasts are immediately attended to, strangely Sharmila’s appeals have made an excruciating slow progress indeed. Arrested every year under charges of attempted suicide, Sharmila is force-fed through a nasal tube. Years of fasting has led to a severe weakening of her body and deterioration of her health.
Sharmila has been conferred with several awards including the Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Peace Prize. But whether she will be able to end her fast on a victorious note remains to be seen.
Why we find her inspiring:
– When we find it difficult to skip even one meal a day, Sharmila has not eaten anything for more than 11 years. Need we say anything more to demonstrate her conviction?
– For believing that non-violence can win even in this day – in a world filled with blood and gore
– For being focused on her vision and never wavering from her chosen path
– For willing to sacrifice herself for the greater good of society
*Photo credit: The Hindu
Women's Web is a vibrant community for Indian women, an authentic space for us to be ourselves and talk about all things that matter to us. Follow us via the read more...
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
Love cannot be imposed Stalkers speak of love, which in a few minutes turns deadly when they are rejected by the woman.
Trigger Warning: This speaks of stalking, violence against women, and murder by a stalker, and may be triggering to survivors.
Justice prevailed after 6 long years.
A ‘NO’ once said or said over a thousand times holds only the same meaning when uttered by a woman.
Please enter your email address