Young Indian Women Want #MoreFromLife In 2017
According to official surveys, “Youth are defined as those aged 15 to 29 in the national youth policy (2014). This age-group constitutes 27.5% of India’s population.”
In 2017, the women in this age bracket and category are redefining ideas, notions, values systems, rules, ethics and morality related to them. They have set their own goals, aspirations, standards and tenets. No matter how reluctant you maybe to be accept these as truths, here is your chance to familiarize with these voices and come to terms with them. These are representative voices (from students aged between 18 and 24) capturing millions of hearts and minds of such other young Indian women.
#WE BELIEVE IN EQUALITY, NO JUDGMENTS AND DIVERSITY FOR PEOPLE
Aeyman Pasha
“Stop asking us when are going to get married, ask us about our career and life goals. Stop judging us if we get tattoos, drink alcohol, have live-in relationships and travel alone. It is high time Indian society stops telling us how to live our lives, judge us and tries to curb our basic freedom and rights.
#WE DON’T NEED EXTERNAL VALIDATIONS FROM OTHERS
Anumita Ghosh
"Believe and trust the Indian woman; we know our mind, dreams and self. By demeaning and undervaluing us, you can’t control us anymore. Now we believe in our own self more than ever before. We don’t look for constant validations from others to feel good about our own self."
#WE ARE OPINIONATED YET FLEXIBLE
Megha Datta
"Perspectives of the Indian society need to diversify change and broaden. People with rigid and hegemonic mindsets who believe in certain subverted realities need to change. Our values and beliefs give utmost importance to progressive minds, well being of all and the power of love. We are opinionated yet flexible."
#WE ARE BREAKING STEREOTYPES AND SEXISM
Ankita Gupta
"Sexism and stereotypes prevalent in Indian society based on skintones, clothing, beauty and body standards have no place in our lives. We need a country where a woman can walk on the road without any fears. As a feminist, I am proud of the fact that we strive to live a life of equality in a patriarchal society, even though we are trolled as “feminazi”. Just because we have a voice, doesn’t mean we cannot be contrite and kind when required."
#YOU CAN’T SUBJUGATE AND OBJECTIFY WOMEN
Sumati Mehrotra
"We are not tolerating subjugation and objectification of women. Yes we are understanding and empathetic but that doesn’t mean we can be treated like doormats, objects or violated."
#YOU CAN’T SLUT SHAME US
Shiwam Priya
"If a girl smiles at a guy, that doesn’t mean she is indicating something wrong. That is not a signal from her that she can be ridiculed, molested, abused or raped; such mindsets need to vanish. Rules which apply for boys need to be the same for girls; this hypocrisy and differences need to change. Parents need to bring up their child irrespective of the gender with more equality. We need more space and freedom."
#WE LOVE OUR OWN SELF AND STRIVE FOR DIGNITY FOR ALL
Vipula Sharma
"Stop judging the Indian woman based on her sexuality, life choices and the length of her dress. We accept our own self and others as it is. We respect different kinds of people and don’t need to be homogenized. By learning to love our own self we have understood the true meaning and ways of how to love others."
#ZERO TOLERANCE FOR PATRIARCHY; WE BELIEVE IN EQUALITY, TOLERANCE AND INCLUSIVENESS FOR ALL
Anjali Singla
"We are done with patriarchy. It is time for more equity, tolerance and inclusiveness for all kinds of ideas and people. Patience, open mindedness and dignity for all, are the highest virtues we build in our own self and would like to see in others."
#TIME FOR RESPECT, SELF DEFENCE AND SEX EDUCATION
Premlatha Gottipati
"Sex education and self defence should be mandatory lessons in school from early years. There should be respect for all humans irrespective of them being a man or a woman. As women we are not letting others take us for granted. We steer away from such people."
#YOU CANNOT CAGE US WITH BOUNDARIES
Srishti Chaudhury
"Don’t try to cage us with boundaries. When we are given that chance, we shine brighter than anyone can possibly imagine. We are proactive and confident; we know how to pursue our dreams and achieve them. Indian society can’t dictate things and tell us to compromise."
