Okay, these ladies are totally badass. They're known as the Gulabi Gang, a sisterhood of women in pink saris who are fighting for women's rights in India. These women carry bamboo sticks, which they use whenever they come up against violent resistance and apparently, they train the women in the sisterhood to use them effectively.
The Gulabi Gang was founded by Sampat Pal Devi, who saw a man beating his wife in her village. When she tried to put a stop to it, the man beat her as well. The next day, she rounded up 5 of her friends and then beat the man senseless for his transgressions. On another occasion, when a policeman abused and attacked Sampat Pal, she retaliated by beating him over the head with her bamboo stick. I guarantee those two guys think twice now before they lay a hand on a woman! Their website puts it much more succinctly:
"The Gulabi Gang was initially intended to punish oppressive husbands, fathers and brothers, and combat domestic violence and desertion. The members of the gang would accost male offenders and prevail upon them to see reason. The more serious offenders were publicly shamed when they refused to listen or relent. Sometimes the women resorted to their lathis, if the men resorted to use of force."
Even cooler is the fact that men are now calling on the gang to not only speak out on behalf of women but all human rights. Apparently, some men have even joined the Gulabi Gang.
One of the members explained why she joined the gang by saying that when she went to fetch water, the upper caste members would tell her that she shouldn't be drinking the same water as them. As a larger group, however, they're scared of the Gulabi Gang and let them share their water.
If I had to sum up these ladies in a gif, it would be this one:
Obviously, I'm all for these tough ladies going after equal rights and the things they need. What do you think about the Gulabi Gang?
This is so enlightening and empowering. I'm glad to have read this and learned about this amazing group of women. It reminds me of the Guerrilla Girls, an anonymous female group who fight for the equal rights of female artists and their work. Of course taking less drastic measures as hitting men with bamboo sticks, but shaming them nonetheless. I love it!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://littlemissdesigner.org/diary/
DeleteThis is completely wonderful and amazing. Thank you for sharing! I am in love with these strong women. xx, Elizabeth
ReplyDeletewww.octoberjune.com
How remarkable. This reminds me of a book "Princess" I read several years ago. It was about a Saudi Arabian Princess who, despite the threat of death, told her story to an author who published it. She overcame a lot of the same being a woman in a place where they see them more as prizes than partners. I can't imagine living that sort of life. It's inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThis is SO great! You hear so much about the need for outsiders to come in and help people that are being oppressed in other countries (which is important, too), but it's so awesome to see these women standing up for themselves.
ReplyDeleteWow! Those are definitely some strong women. I'm definitely for them going after equal rights! Maybe they can bring about some wonderful changes in their region. :)
ReplyDelete