What can women do in response to discrimination, sexism and misogyny?

I have been battling these diseases in society for as long as I can remember. However, when a similar question was directed at me during a guest appearance at a Zoom meeting with undergrad students, I gave them a vague answer. It started with something like ‘I am not an expert’ and ended ‘we can only try’. Thanks to my academic experience. It made me devalue my life experience and reminded me of no publications I did on this subject at that moment. Thanks to my half-baked activism. I thought of all the incredible women’s rights activists who continue to speak up in public spaces. I came to a verdict that I should not speak up because I am not much active in that space.

At the end of the session, I made some time to reflect on that question and my answer. The question should have been answered better based on my lived experience. If you put your foot down during a dinner conversation with your family or friends when there is a sexist comment, if you stand up for the girl in your classroom when someone bullies her, if you live a life in a way that challenges the gender stereotypes in the society, if you are quick to pick up social practices by which gendered behaviours are natured and normalised, you have to be proud of yourself and see yourself for the game-changer that you are! Change starts from ourselves then our closest circle to the broader society. So let’s start from our homes.

I speak up against discrimination, sexism, homophobia and misogyny loud and clear in my closest circle. I do not speak much in the outer circle. It could be something to do with the introvert in me. I am not comfortable with public speaking. What do I do in the outer circle? I use my artwork to deliver the message or challenge the status quo. It could be a poem or dance piece. Gender equity should be embedded in our thinking. It cannot come and go during International Women’s Days or Women Summits. It is not an issue of the so-called developing countries or the Global South.

Look at what we have in the name of leadership at the Australian Parliament House! Where is the accountability? Who is responsible for the sexual abuse, misconduct and allegations? The legislation? The law? The politicians? People who make the wrong choices on the day of the parliament election? Every one of us has the responsibility to make the world safe and just for all of us. Be angry. Be frustrated. But, do not turn them into hatred. Turn them into positive energy, thought-field or creative advocacy to tackle the root causes. Look around you and find those already leading the path for a safe and just future. Look around you and find those struggling to overcome the barriers. Look at yourself in the mirror and see the game-changer hidden in yourself. Find spaces where you can share your struggles and strengths. Find people in those spaces to hold hands in solidarity and walk towards a better future. We will need them because it is a long journey and a hard journey. Remember, we are dealing with centuries of oppression. The change will not come overnight. We can only try? No. We should make it happen, and we will.