As we salute the spirit
of women on International Women’s Day, that is celebrated all over the world today, let us take into account that
this day is also about celebrating humanity and togetherness. This isn’t about
being anti-men. This isn’t about a battle against the other. On this day, we
ask women about the men who matter, those who shared equal space with them,
enriching each other’s lives, with neither giving nor taking, but simply
sharing. Is there a subtle narrative that the fight for women’s rights is
anti-men? Goa’s women strongly oppose that narrative and speak about the
wonderful men in their lives
Yes, there is this
anti-men perception which needs to be corrected. It’s important to create
awareness that all human beings are born free and equal and such a belief
system should be inculcated. My father late Govindas Bhandare was a self made
man, a hardworking and jovial soul. He was a strong person who I always looked
up to. My husband Ajit Kamat is very kind, caring and spiritual which
compliments my dynamic nature. My son Atharva Kamat is a young man of 17 years
who always challenges me to be a better person and has taught me not to be
judgemental and take one day at a time
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–
Dr Smitha Bhandare Kamat,
renowned political
cartoonist
I have been very
fortunate to have wonderful men surround me since my birth. The only daughter
of my parents, my father was my biggest support system. It is because of my
parents that I never felt less equal than men. I chose to marry Suprabhat who
belongs to this same social circle. And I think Suprabhat has only added to its
worth by letting me be what I am. I have some amazing friends who have changed
the way I looked at relationships. There is a subtle narrative that the fight
for women’s rights is anti-men. That is how the world looks at it. But it isn’t
about racing ahead of each other in any manner. It is about respecting each
others as individuals. I take inspiration from every man that has made me
believe I am neither less, nor more than
any of them
–
Anwesha Singbal,
Konkani award winning
author
My husband is my
greatest ally. We both are artists . So we know, understand and are in the
journey together. It helps though. Most of the time, there is a certain strain
of anti-men trait (in a women’s movement) which shows. My works always have a
woman as the protagonist. Many ask me if I am a feminist or anti-men. I tell
them, ‘I only depict what I feel. I
always was true in my expression . That doesn’t mean I hate men or I am anti
men. It should be corrected. Fighting for Women’s rights is not about being
anti men. My father’s passion for work, determination, creativity in his own
field, his will power, successfully defeating the problems & his desire for
knowledge has always inspired me.
Indirectly or directly he influences me. Sometimes when I take a decision, I
wonder from where these qualities/ nature came in me? The answer comes ‘may be
my father’
–
Chaitali Morajkar, artist
The men in my life who
are my allies are my father, brother, my
cousins and my musicians, my close friends which are quite a few. Allies means
they are quite supportive, very understanding, encouraging and helpful. Fight
for women’s right is definitely not anti-men because we are basically asking
for equality. We are not trying to supercede. Women’s liberation should not be
misunderstood as trying to overpower. Women and men both have their own roles
to play and are part of the human race.. I take my inspiration from my father
who built his life from humble beginnings. I look up to him as he was very
dedicated to his profession as a doctor. I admire him for his sincerity. He is
one man who I would look up to for the rest of my life
–
Sonia Shirsat, Fadista
My father is my biggest
ally followed by my ex husband and then by my Rosto team which is mostly boys.
These three are my biggest allies for now. The fight for women’s rights is not
anti-men because in the end, men have all the liberty and all the rights and
freedom when we women don’t have much. We are asking to give us equal rights.
It doesn’t become anti-men but equal to men. Women singlehandedly run
businesses and homes and sometimes both. Every single mom kudos to them for
fighting against the system. My father is one person who sacrificed a lot for
me. He has given me all the freedom, a girl could have. I got my outlook
towards life from him
–
Cecille Rodrigues,
Zumba instructor and
Rosto campaigner
My father is the one
who has been there for me when no one actually supported me and when I was
entering the field of theatre and acting
and making it my profession. The fight for women’s right has nothing to do with
being anti-men, but of course men should be equally part of this measure and
they should also take corrective measures to encourage women and give them what
they deserve. Women’s fight for equality is not a women’s issue, it’s a human
issue. I take inspiration from my brother though he is younger than me who has
inspired me to be focused when it comes to your career
–
Samiksha Dessai,
theatre and film actor
