Safwaan Azmi

My little brother was born when I was 20 years old. Up to that point, I’ve grown up in a household that was predominantly female. Whether it was Sri Lanka or even the “holy kingdom” of Saudi Arabia, wherever I’ve lived I never failed to notice the injustices that the women in my family and in society have had to undergo. And yet they persist and triumph, overcoming unwarranted obstacles.

From the colour of your skin, the gender and orientation you identify with, your religion, and the size of your bank account, society has somehow always managed to find ways to differentiate and discriminate. I’ve seen handicapped people with born disabilities face society’s wrath rather than their embrace. And I’ve been on the receiving end of callous judgement as well.

I am a proud member of Swayong, because it is way past time humanity is reminded that we all bleed the same. No one deserves to be stared at, catcalled, cheated, abused, and killed in the name of toxic patriarchy. I rage against those who when interviewed by the media, blame clothes and women for instigating rape. I rage against the criminals, who think they can abuse, rape and get away with it. I rage against those power-hungry mongrels sitting behind desks who blackmail, ill-treat and take advantage of their female colleagues. I stand and rage shoulder-to-shoulder with every one of my friends with the sincere hope to bring about a much-needed change in the way people perceive each other.

We’re only human! So it’s time we started acting like it.