The story of Usha sheds light on how "empowerment" of women is ultimately what will stop the abusing and trafficking of women in some communities. Usha is a 28-year-old woman who graduated from college with a degree in hotel management, a rare case in her community of Dalits, or the "Untouchables", lower-caste people with dark complexions. Her community was controlled by a man named Akka, a higher-caste man who constantly abused the Dalits. Authorities turned a blind eye on all him and his gang's violent behaviors since they received cash bribes and the Dalits are considered lower-caste people. Long story short, Akka was enraged by Usha one day when she filed a complaint regarding his assault of a woman and threatened to pour acid on her. Usha, well-educated and fearless, did not back out and her bravery encouraged the other Dalits, who finally helped her fight back by attacking Akka's gang with stones. The case was brought to court and Akka's bail hearing turned into a gory killing as the enraged women with their new-found courage stabbed Akka to death. The Dalit women decided to all claim responsibility so no individual would be culpable for a murder.
Murder should not be condoned, but in this case, the women were eradicating a public menace for self-defense since no police or government was protecting their safety. The women left behind the traditional "virtues" of being docile and passive, in exchange for their own well-being. "Empowerment" of women can be a dangerous concept sometimes when individual female stands up for herself without any defense or protection. However, when all women stand their ground and unite for counterattack, the chances of winning increase. Asylums for abused women should be available to these women as they fight for their own rights.
No comments:
Post a Comment