Aidha Cader looks upon the positives and the drawbacks of the show
‘It’s a she thing’ organised by V-day Dhaka was entertaining and a welcome relief to raise awareness on multiple issues women face today. An adaptation from Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues, the play was designed to bring to attention the problems faced by women in Dhaka. The focus was reflective of local culture and created an opportunity to start a dialogue on subjects considered taboo. It was impressive to see significant male response at the event as well. Women alone cannot make all the changes we seek and the support of our male counterparts is much needed. Bravo!!
The show highlighted themes like child marriage, sexuality, rape, womanhood and domestic violence among others. All the performances were well delivered, keeping in mind that the cast were non-professional actors. The women of focus also ranged from the hijab lady, to the fashionista, from the old to the young, bringing into the forum an all-inclusive, multi diverse community that is reflective of Dhaka women. The show was also well paced from heart moving stories to light topics filled with sarcasm and humour. The proceeds from the two-day event went to Himawanti, an NGO based in Rangamati that works with domestic violence survivors.
To give a voice to the marginalised is an important issue and to change perceptions and cultural traits is a long-term battle that the cast and organisers seem to have taken in their stride. Issues such as domestic violence, child molestation and rape are often hidden under a veil of cultural silence. The priority is the family prestige and not the needs of the victim. As a result these accounts go unreported, perpetrated and not brought to justice while the victims are left to battle alone. Such tales performed by the cast were moving and powerful. The concluding play portraying the scares of rape victims in Bangladesh during the Liberation War brought attention to the current violence againts women across the Chittagong hill tracts. The personation of sexual orientation is a ‘right and not a choice’ was highlighted by Syeda Samara Mortada. She was able to talk on the subject that raised cultural and religious taboos and delivered a strong message with moments of refreshing humour. The need to break the silence and address such concerns is much needed in today’s Bangladesh. Like me, many left the event with thoughts of how we can bring about such changes. The simple task of talking about these subjects can often remove the stigma attached to it and be the first step towards positive change.
There were a few ideas I personally don’t agree with, one being the constant dismissive nature of advice and from those who did not think the same way. Respect for women does not always have to be based on the fact that we have a right to do as we please. What we wear, how we sit, how we speak, be it men or women is a mirror of who we are as individuals, our values, culture, religion and level of education. It is a tool to be judged and opinions will be raised based on it. Judging one by their intelligence and what’s in their heart alone is simply being naïve. Listening to the advice of those who deemed to have our best interest at heart is not an infringement of our rights as women. With rights comes responsibility, which should also be the focus.
I felt that the satire on monthly menses was overplayed and missed an important topic to address – menstrual hygiene. The right for women to have access to toilets in schools and offices are mandatory. I like the fact that my sanitary napkins are wrapped in brown paper bags. Covering up, be it a packet of sanitary napkins or one’s self is not always a means to subjugation, covering up can also be a form of liberation and respect.
It is also important to note that every aspect of western values isn’t always right or superior. Using a blue print on what is deemed ideal in western cultures and applying it on Asian countries is not always the answer. Educated Asian women are in a position to pick what they deem is the best in Asian cultures as well as western cultures and work toward a unique model that will be workable locally.
Culture is a powerful identification tool and though we seek to modernise and move forward, being progressive does not necessarily mean that advice from those who think different ought to be looked as holding us back. To support and raise a voice for the marginalised is one that resonates well with all of us, yet in the process our enemy should not be mainstream culture, tradition or religion. We should work towards mutual respect and tolerance to all women in our society and be deemed equal in the man’s world that we live in today.