Aditi Shukla
I have been a woman
Since when they use to
Hide us in houses
As a prisoner
In the name of protection!
I have been a woman
Since when they use to
Ask us to hide our faces and identities
As a criminal’s face
In the name of our respect!
I have been a woman
Since when they use to
Ask us to run into a burning fire
As a wife
In the name of vague traditions!
I have been a woman
Since when they didn’t even cared about my choices and use to
Ask me to get married to anybody
In the name ethics!
I have been a woman
Since when they use to
Question my virginity and character
In the name of piousness!
I have been a woman
Since when they use to
Ask me to kill my own daughter
In the name of dynasty
I have been a woman
Since when they use to
Ask me not to enter temple
In the name of impure flesh and blood I carried!
I have been a woman
Since when they use to
Ask me not to marry again if my husband dies,
In the name of devotion!
I have been a woman
Since when they use to
Torture me for dowry
In the name of custom!
And I’m a woman now
Who is no more silent
Like I use to be
I’ll raise my voice
If anything will take
place against me
Because I have faced enough
I can’t let you rule all the time
I’m the ruler of my own life!
Because for now freedom
To me is equality ,
Freedom to me is
Celebrating feminism ,
Freedom to me is
Not fighting but
Enjoying my rights
The right to be a women !