Must Bol
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young people and we also face it as a group when we engage with the larger public is the inability of people to acknowledge their own responsibility and recognize violence that they either face or create. In public debates on sexual harassment for example, we hear people blame everything from corrupt politicians, to no law and order enforcement, to less punishments for crimes to women wearing “certain kinds” of clothes and going out at night… broadly called “western culture” by many of the moralizing public. People are not ready to take responsibility for a problem that we all create as a society. They shy away from saying what they can do about it, or examining personal beliefs, attitudes etc. more deeply. That I think is a big challenge. As a society we continue to push problems and solutions outside and blame the “other” and don’t examine the very personal connect that we all have with a structure that is sexist and creates violence for anyone who does not conform to a patriarchal gender norm.” How do you handle those challenges? “One of the ways to work with this challenge is working with the same group in a sustained and continuous manner. So while we do take up large public outreach and awareness actions, the main work where transformation happens is within the volunteer group. Once we are able to create a personal stake and connect with an issue for the young people who are leading the campaign, they are able to translate that into a larger change on the ground.” Is there a single event that stands out to you as one where you really felt like Must Bol was making a difference? Can you describe the nature of this event and what happened, if so? “There have been a many such events where I felt that we have managed to make a difference to individuals. These may not necessarily be events, but are processes that we spark off. Some examples that I can recount most easily are: A volunteer from a prominent college in Delhi University becoming active to energize the gender forum in college and taking up discussions, film screenings and other events to bring these issues into public discussion. A workshop on relationships with a group of young women from another prominent women’s college in Delhi University transforming into a space where the women were able to share deep personal stories of facing violence that they had not felt confident to share before and activating a safe discussions space in college to support each other with these experiences and feelings. Engagement with the Must Bol campaign prompting a young boy to start off a large social media campaign to address sexual harassment and gender based violence. Young people really warmly reaching out and supporting each other on issues of violence in the family, sexuality or forming long-term friendships.”
to bring as many people as possible into such discussions and learn from each other. A big help would be to connect with us on Facebook and bring your own experience and ideas into the ongoing discussions there. If in Delhi, we are happy to connect with anyone who can volunteer time and effort to help organize the campaign and its various actions. Contributing films, posters or any other online support that we can get from your readers would be great. Anyone willing to contribute to support a specific action or initiative in the campaign through resources such as an old computer, books relevant to young people and gender, films, information material, an old camera or financially are most welcome. Although we are able to organize bringing materials etc. to the campaign only from within India.” Maitiyani, like many young adolescents in New Delhi want to see change and are working actively towards it. Dance guru and Bollywood choreographer, Terence Lewis, posted his views in December on a social media site, reflecting the need for change. “I agree that there has to be a consequence and punishment but don’t agree that capital punishment will deter the neurotic psyche of people with those tendencies! You think the offenders didn’t know that they would be apprehended and convicted! I’m sure they did! You see this was not a premeditated crime! The victim was unknown to the offenders and generally in most rape cases that are reported, this is not true! So the act was random, a situation presented itself with an opportunity and once they knew they were alone together and powerful, their mind and emotions deep seated in their psyche, took control and turned them into uncontrollable monsters going beyond their reasons and they tapped into their repressed sexual violent nature! Let’s make a change in our minds and the way we raise kids, at homes and school! Let India awake to a new tomorrow that creates an environment where sex and sexuality isn’t repressed, talked and experienced openly without fear of ostracisation and judgment! Let’s take India back to the land of spiritual freedom and wisdom. The era of Satyug where we work with nature and science to build a world that is organic yet contemporary and forward thinking! These are my two pennies after thinking it over and over again without getting unduly emotional! Let the law take a firm and quick stance but we should also make a firm resolve to create a society that allows an open dialogue on sex and sexuality, takes away guilt and shame and allows for a space and environment where there is freedom and respect for others rights and yet allows us to be who we want to be without taking away the right and dignity of others! Freedom with responsibility, respect and value for all, including Mother Nature. To this world may my country and the world at large awake in the coming year!”
With a tagline like “chai, charcha, and change,” Must Bol is definitely headed in the right direction to make changes and educate the public on how they can contribute to these changes. Change is being sought by many Indians, irrespective of if they are young or old. Several protestors came out following the brutal attack in December but when they didn’t see immediate results, backed down. The energy needs to continue in order to ensure that someone’s precious life wasn’t taken in vain. Is there anything else you feel our readers should know about Must Bol? How can they support your efforts? “The campaign is an attempt to highlight gender issues faced To get involved with Must BOL or learn more about how you by young people. It is working on the ground as well as online can help, visit their website at http://www.mustBol.in/. Saathee.com
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June 2013