Woman, more than a vagina!

On March 8, we recognize the need to draw attention to women. This day highlights the oppressive issues that women face day to day in different cultures all over the world. Well not really highlight the issues, but call to attention that these should not even be issues women have to face. But sometimes we need that reminder, not just to address issues that wear women down, but also as a reminder to ourselves as women. A reminder to address who we really are.

We are unique individuals who are in a sense, different from men (the closest species we can be grouped with). We are a bundle of potentiality. We are created to bloom. Sometimes, though, we just are sidelined.

This visual is a reflection of who a woman is. The central doodle here is an adaptation of the symbol for the female gender (the circle with a little plus sign facing downwards from the circle). This image also depicts a stylized anchor, if you will. Woman, you are an anchor. You are anchored in the love of the one who created you, not by the will of a human but by your ultimate Creator. The little doodles within this outline are my interpretations of green plants to signify growth and life. We are indeed created to bloom and flourish. The background is a vagina. Yes, you heard it right. But it is a breaking away of a stereotype that tries to put women in a box.

I am an Indian. I am glad and proud to be one. However, one of the things I hate the most about being an Indian is the fact that “India is the most dangerous country for sexual violence against women, according to the Thomson Reuters Foundation 2018 survey.” (http://theconversation.com/india-has-a-sexual-assault-problem-that-only-women-can-fix-101366). Yes, there are many other countries that face similar issues, but I want to talk from my experience. The fact is that Indian young adults (men) blatantly sexualize women or find cheap thrills in flashing, rubbing their penises against our bodies while commuting on public transportation (this causes me to hesitate lauding any effort by the transportation department in India), and several other cheap incidents on the streets as well. Not to leave out the rampant number of rape cases in India – sickening, to say the least. And so yes, I am not just my vagina, thank you very much.

I am more than my vagina, I am created in the image of God!!!

Women’s Day is every day! But I will take the opportunity to raise issues that oppress women, especially on this day; sometimes, we just need a reminder.

Woman, you are an anchor, woman, you are anchored, and woman, more power to you as you find ways to bloom and flourish!