Patriarchy has been normalized, encultured within us all, but several hundred women in the northern Uttar Pradesh states of India have been normalizing something which combats this force: resistance.
They call themselves the ‘Gulabi Gang,’ meaning ‘Pink Sari Gang,’ and the mere utterance of the name sends chills down the backs of abusers. These women are looking further, questioning the presence of patriarchy and creating an army of women that have been abused, seen abuse, or feel the abuse around them on a daily basis. They are committed to protecting women against violent husbands, corrupt leaders, and the social injustices that arise in a region where most think male dominance is the way of life.
The uniform is simple: a pink sari and a stick large enough to do some serious damage. The women in pink have literally thrashed men who have beaten or blackmailed their wives, and by doing so have instilled a sense of fear in The Man when it comes to female abuse.
Let us learn something from these women. We cannot wait for others to fight these battles – we must organize within ourselves. Too many people are wrapped up in this toxic and chillingly convincing culture to even notice that there is a battle to be fought in the first place. So let’s get some passion, and grab our sticks.
