Sudharak Olwe: In Search of Dignity and Justice
© Sudharak Olwe from Thrice Oppreseed
Thrice Oppressed
View Exhibition: Thrice Oppressed
An ode to women from all backgrounds saluting their courage despite the horrendous difficulties they have faced and to create a dialogue on violence against women
Atrocities against women have been the focus of heightened attention due to growing awareness among the public, and women. Even today, cases of violence have been under-reported due to societal norms, stigma, and the sensitive nature of the subject. These forms of gender-related violence are a result of deeply ingrained cultural misogyny.
When Nisha was beaten black and blue by her husband because she was “not good looking”, her morale was destroyed to such an extent that it was difficult for her to see a world beyond her boundaries. She went back to her violent husband for the sake of her two young children who she believed could not be raised without him. To imagine the impact of violence on Nisha’s life is insurmountable, but she lives with it every day. Women like Maya whose nose was cut off by her husband in a fit of rage, or another who suffered an acid attack after turning down advances by a man in her local community, continue to live their lives even after such horrific incidences.
A woman’s choice of education, career and marriage are challenged and compromised by the virtue of her being a woman. Instead, she is expected to shoulder various responsibilities such as looking after household work, siblings, serve elderly persons, work on fields, so on and so forth. Unfortunately, the situation does not differ be it in an urban or rural setting.
Raped, maimed, forced to bear multiple children, subjected to abuse and mental torture, these women still struggle to hold on to some semblance of normalcy on the fringes of society. And while the Domestic Violence Bill, the Sexual Harassment Bill, and the enforcement of basic human rights are reviewed and amended in our judiciary, its effects are slow to permeate the grassroots. The local authorities – namely the police and the sarpanch (village headman) – routinely ignore the complaints of these women. Facing oppression from members of the upper castes, moneylenders and even from their own family and spouse, they still hope that their children will see a better tomorrow.
Cases of abuse on woman are rampant throughout India. Thousands of women are battling domestic violence, discrimination, acid attacks, sexual abuse and mental torture. Survival for these women comes at a cost of forgetting their pain and subjecting themselves openly to such conditions. The exhibition themed ‘Thrice Oppressed’ is a photo project that reveals solidarity with women who live in danger and constant fear from their male counterparts. It portrays an honest journey through the grit and glory of these tortured women who are constantly in hope for an improved tomorrow.
© Sudharak Olwe 2019
View Exhibition: Thrice Oppressed