After gulping oodles of formulas and surviving the torment of petrifying exams, ‘college’ seems to be a respite from the monotonous prison of our hometowns. Cessation from the restrictions foisted by our guardians. A shining abode that will help us reach the pinnacle of our dreams. But as one steps inside the periphery of this seemingly perfect world, they topple upon a stone called “reality”.

 

Women Empowerment. Two enchanting words to make you look elite if spoken. But when it comes to equality in terms of implementation, well, nothing’s hidden. Male privileges and patriarchal norms have been prevalent ever since the beginning of time. Unequal rules, judgemental eyes, and nasty naggings have been an inextricable part of a woman's life. Bearing the brunt of this agony, women have always proven to carve their way out through the caves of injustice. 

 

In a fast-paced technologically advanced world with ever-changing ideas and globalization, some places still brim with orthodox practices and old-fashioned concepts. Even the most shining glasses of modernized institutions have splatters of ‘inequality’ and ‘injustice’. 

 

The 100 acre land of IET Lucknow contains 100s of stories that have never been heard or said. The hushed voices behind the curtains contain the plight of never-ending disparities and traumas. The little things that may look insignificant to people have deeper implications at the fundamental level.

 

Now that we’re already gushing over the topic of male privileges, remember the “what would you do if you become a boy for a day?” question from the surveys. The answers have been bombarded with girls’ desire to meander freely in the darkness of nights as their favorite errand. It seems such a nugatory wish to guys because not all of them have lived it, but girls, yes, they can understand the enormity of this prerequisite our fellow lads have the rights to. Let us take for instance- the curfew timing for girls in hostels. Hostellers opine that the girl students are treated differently as hostel timings are relaxed for boys, but they remain stringent for girls.

 

It is truly unambiguous that these rules are made purposefully for “safety measures”, but it does come off as a bizarre attempt by catering to the feeling of being confined in lieu of feeling safe. Furthermore, it ignites the thought of being discriminated against on the basis of gender. The curfew timing can still be tolerated but the sternness is unbearable. Citing an example of its severity - even if a hosteller is just a few minutes late, she is not allowed to enter the hostel premises without a fine being imposed on her or hostellers not being allowed to receive food or other essential commodities like medicines after the curfew timing. Well, this isn't the end of the story. Here are a few more examples to take you through the trails of this unempathetic-fairy land.

 

Hostel Life(?)

 

“Hey, aren’t your shorts too short!” 

“Cover your arms, or I’ll inform the warden.”

“Crop tops? You’ve lost your mind?”

A never-ending loop of restrictions and naggings has been an indispensable part of college life. 

 

A detailed list of rules is imposed on hostellers that display an antonymic mindset of the society. One of these offbeat rules is that the girls cannot wear tight body-hugging clothes or shorts outside their rooms. Even though we have conquered the social evils like the sati system or purdah system ages ago but the actual evil of the society i.e., the mindset of the people still needs to be remedied. 

 

Judgemental Gazes

 

For as long as we know, the urge to create a permanent notion just by perceiving temporary first impressions has been one of the favorite pursuits of mankind. Be it the Entry-Guard Uncle, mess wale bhaiya, female helpers or the wardens; everyone has an impressive knack for judgment. For instance, female students walking across the road with their male friends are viewed as aliens. This can be seen everywhere in and out of the college premises. The students are evaluated on the basis of their accent, domestic attire, and even their ‘sweet as sugar’ behavior.

 

Female students are not provided amenities like cleaning and laundry since they’re expected to do such chores by themselves. On events like women’s day, under the roof of women empowerment, stereotypical feminine activities like ‘Mehendi’ and ‘rangoli’ making competitions are conducted. In an engineering college where we talk about science and technology, how can we still expect women to carry the burden of ancient prejudices?

 

Menstrual Leave

 

Imagine a man bleeding 24*7 and showing up at work as nothing happened? Behind forced laughters and exaggerated smiles is a tonnage of unsaid pain. From professors to students, from guards to sweepers, everybody is expected to turn up to work even during their menstrual cycles. And obviously when women are expected to act like saints and behave like superheroes, we do gulp a couple of painkillers and get down to business.

 

Words, mere words. Apparently in a world deprived of the ability to acknowledge other people’s perspective, we do seek ways to exert power. Not just IET, all the developed institutions normalize enforcing ambiguous norms on females under the guise of safety and empowerment. Amidst all the bizarre rules and stupid restrictions, girls still find ways to seek solace in the blemishes of society.

 

But what’s next? Perhaps wait and hope that things will change one day? No. It’s time for us to stand atop of our desks and remind ourselves that the reins of our lives are in our hands. It’s we who can bring about a change. Speak for yourself. Listen to your fellows. Work. Bring a change in the way you perceive your existence. Ask. Ask for things that belong to you. Think. Think like your brain is free from all chains of imprisonment.

 

 Because- “God helps those who help themselves.”

-Benjamin Franklin

 

 (Ironically, we quote a man. Let it be known, we ask for equality. Not Femi-Nazism.)