Women And Society

She is not an idol made of clay or stone;
She is not a goddess seated on a throne.
She is just like us made of blood and flesh.
She has basic needs like everyone else.
She isn't a Seetha , she isn't from a story;
Not fire-born Dhraupadhi , she needs no glory.
Fire burns her body just like mine and yours .
She is just a woman, she wants what is hers.
She is not an item, she has no owner
How come she's given away, by a donor?
Marriage is a means, it is never the end!
She can be an ally, she can be a friend!
In a lifelong journey, she can share the load!
Why make her a burden, then leave on the road?
She isn't a slave, she does not need a master
Wants a friend to walk beside, not run past her
Mother made by Nature, children she must raise.
"Higher than the Heaven? " overstated praise!
She's only human, has no godly power.
She can't bring bad luck , good luck she can't shower.
If she's not a goddess must she be a witch?
Is she less than human, pushed into a ditch?
Why can't we all see this ridiculous mess?
There's no witch or goddess, just woman speechless
Why isn't she sent to school just like her brother?
Marriage is a means for him but end for her?
Why is he raised an asset, she a burden?
She an unpaid gardener, he owns the garden!
We are like flamingos standing on one foot!
Eyes closed! head tucked! can we change our attitude?

Originally written in Oriya and translated by author. Published in the Asian American Quarterly, Austin, February 97, in the OSA Journal, July 1997, and in SAWERA newsletter, Portland, 1997.

This column was created by Indira Chakravorty and Mamata Misra. The authors are the active members of Saheli. They have taught violence prevention in US schools as volunteers through the School Based Services of SafePlace.

Saheli is an all-volunteer non-profit support and advocacy organization for Asian families in Austin, Texas. Saheli's mission is to help victims and survivors of domestic violence to heal, and empower them to make choices for a life free of abuse. We spread awareness of various forms of oppression against women and children through community outreach and education. We form a bridge between the Asian community and local services to cross the culture gap. Saheli's vision is to work toward preventing abuse in family relationships, to break the cycle of violence and pursue a cycle of peace. For more information about Saheli, visit www.main.org/saheli
To contact us call (512) 703-8745
or send e-mail to: saheli@usa.net