By Rajeshree Nagarsekar
Following a recent incident where a prominent Goan politician publicly used a sexist slur, EVESCAPE wrote an email to the leader strongly condemning the remark. However, in response to this persistent rhetoric, EVESCAPE has developed a public safety campaign aimed at challenging misogyny in public discourse, which will be rolled out shortly.
Way too often have we seen some of our politicians (across party lines) thump their chest and bellow: “Ami kaknam ghalunk na" (We have not worn bangles) -- meaning; we are not weak, fearful or passive.
Firstly, this old school rhetoric of weaponizing a traditional ornament as a synonym for cowardice is not only downright outdated but also illiterate to the core, politically self-defeating, and utterly regressive, especially in a progressive state like Goa.
Secondly, when politicians use this sexist rhetoric in their public discourse, they are insulting fifty percent of the electorate. In modern Goa, women are no longer a silent demographic; they are a decisive vote bank, turning out to vote at higher rates than ever. They vote independently, care deeply about local governance, and hold immense social leverage.
To associate bangles with weakness is to ignore the reality that the hands that wear them are the same hands that drive the economy, manage households, balance budgets, raise the next generation, anchor families, are at the forefront of environmental, social, and political resistance, so on and so forth. All this requires a level of grit and mental toughness few politicians display.
TIME TO CHANGE THE SCRIPT
If Goa's netas want to prove they are genuinely progressive and attuned to the needs of their voters, they should retire the outdated slur and embrace the symbol to make a powerful, disruptive statement. Wear bangles to symbolize a commitment to protecting women's rights. Wear them as a visual pledge to increase female representation in governance.
End the casual sexism that plagues our politics. For in a forward-thinking society, the bangle represents strength, multi-tasking mastery, and unyielding power. Embracing the bangle isn't a sign of weakness. It is a sign that a leader is strong enough to honor the power of women.
Lastly, imagine this campaign trail: a politician steps up to the podium, raises his arm to wave, and a glorious, reassuring chime echoes through the crowd. It says, "I see you, I respect you, and I am literally wearing your strength on my sleeve."
#BanglesOfPower
#NoRespectNoVote
#GoaPolitics #WomenInPolitics
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