What’s more ironical than celebrating women one day, to follow it up by ‘Bura na mano, Holi hai’. For those unaware, that quote loosely translates to ‘don’t mind our actions today, however despicable they may be – it’s a festival, we’re entitled’.
Now, before people jump onto the bandwagon of ‘All men aren’t the same’ let us point out, we do believe ‘All men aren’t the same’.
March 8 sees us all sharing quotes of women empowerment, praising women, asking women to define their interpretation of equality, defending their rights – the list goes on.
Has anyone stopped to think, that it is at celebrations like these, FUN actions often turn into requirements that are voiced on International Women’s Day.
- How many didn’t want to play Holi, and were forcefully dragged into this PLAY?
- How many were inappropriately groped whilst PLAYING Holi?
- How many had water balloons thrown at them – regardless of whether they were PLAYING Holi or just walking down the street?
Please note we called out water balloons, but that doesn’t mean we’re ignorant to the fact that eggs, mud, dirt-filled packets are also included in this list. - How many were offered (and probably consumed) spiked foods and drinks without the knowledge that they’ve been spiked?
- How many sectioned out a ‘safe’ group of friends to PLAY Holi with, just so that they wouldn’t have to endure ALL OF THE ABOVE?
Did you understand our wordPLAY? Then, maybe you’ll understand what Women need – and you won’t be asking them this question on that one singled out day of the year. It’s not playing when you’re invading a Woman’s personal boundaries! It’s not playing when you’re forcing her to do something she isn’t comfortable with! It’s not playing when your actions NEED to be followed with the quote ‘Bura na mano, Holi hai’!
