The same applies to the feminists. If you fight for woman rights, regardless of where you come from, you are a feminist. Better it is to be considered a feminist rather than claiming yourself to be one. To be a feminist one needs to have immense respect for women. Just because you call yourself a feminist doesn't make you one.
A few days back there was a discussion in social media about the blockade. Someone said she had no respect for those who justify the blockade. I, on the other hand, replied that I understood the blockade; this blockade is upon a victim by a victim. To my surprise, she replied, comparing blockade to a rape. A woman who claims to be a feminist compares blockade to a rape. She perhaps forgot how a rape affects the victim: physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. Pain in rape is felt by the victim alone, unlike this blockade that has affected the whole country. Rape can never be compared to any other crime. Therefore a woman who can't even differentiate between rape and a blockade, how can she be a feminist? How could she fight for woman?
I don't know if I am a feminist. Unlike other feminists I not only feel for woman but also for men. I understand men's problems. Life as a Nepali man is hard. He is responsible for earning for the family's upkeep. He is supposed to be strong, always. Feminism doesn't mean you should stand against men.
According to an article recently published in Republica (Faux Feminists, Jan 6): "Kathmandu feminists have remained silent on the state's partiality against women of Madhesh." It classifies woman as Madheshi and Kathmandu feminists. Is this classification needed? Feminists fight for woman, if not for Madheshi women at this time, but they are nonetheless fighting for single-mother citizenship. And if a single mother can provide citizenship to her child, it would be fruitful for both Madheshi and non- Madheshi woman.
The article argues that Kathmandu's feminists are not doing anything for Madheshi woman. Then where do Madheshi women stand on gender equality? Why did they keep silent when Bidhya Bhandari was being insulted for being a widow? Why were they are silent when thousands of women in earthquake-affected areas are suffering because of the blockade? Why didn't they protest when a woman was being insulted by Madheshis in Madhesh?
Regardless of their geographical location, every Nepali woman should be proud to have a woman as their president. It's a significant national milestone.
First, Madhesh and Pahad and now Madheshi feminists and Kathmandu feminists, how long is Nepal going to suffer because of such artificial divisions? At this time when understanding is needed, we shouldn't divide our population into opposing categories like Madheshi- and non-Madheshi women. We are Nepali women and let's be proud of this fact. Madheshi or non-Madheshi, Nepali women have always fallen behind men. We need unity among us, not artificial cleavages.
Nepal is going through some hard times, first, the earthquake and now, the blockade. Nepal's growth has been affected. To overcome this crisis, all Nepalis should unite. This will not be fake nationalism; but real concern and a sense of responsibility. Even though I am from Kathmandu, I am not against Madhesh and have always supported their valid demands and will continue to do so.
The Madheshi people's protest against the government is understandable, but Madheshi women criticising Pahadi women, that is not done when what we need is broad harmony.
The author holds a Masters in Business Studies from Tribhuvan University
banipoudyal@yahoo.com
Related story
General strike in Israel over hostages leads to uneven closures...
_20220201152201.jpeg)
