"Ending female genital mutilation or cutting in Asia and globally is not a marginal issue rather it is a central issue to gender and development justice as well as central to bodily autonomy, public health, right to equality, human rights, children's rights and girl child rights. Patriarchal notions of women's bodies which are shaped into shame and secrecy need to be challenged and dismantled," said Dr Huda.
Firewall sustainable development goals from patriarchy at all levels
"Boys and men wrongly think they are born to enjoy more rights, entitlements and privileges and perpetrate violence of all forms at all ages and we girls and women and gender diverse persons wrongly feel that we are destined to 'accept' and remain 'silent.' Why is it always the woman or the girl who has to adjust, conform, or be silent or be silenced?" asked Shobha. "We are born free be it a male or female child or of any other gender. So you and I also have a right to breathe free from fear of any form of gender-based violence and enjoy full rights, entitlements and privileges like men."
"In addition to rethinking, rebuilding and rising ourselves, we all have to unite together to denormalise and counter harmful social norms, narratives and stereotypes that reek of gender prejudices. We have to call upon our governments to deliver a life of equality for all without any discrimination or prejudice," she added. "We were born equal so we deserve and need an equal life of opportunities, daring, hope, and aspirations."
End gender-based violence along with striving for economic and social justice
"While we fight together to end all forms of gender-based violence, my sisters, resisters and persisters I appeal to you to also fight for your social rights and economic rights. There is no gene that makes a man more intelligent than women. But there is a 'disease' called patriarchy which makes him think like that. Is the same 'disease' making us think like that? Do we feel 'men can do better' in education and economic activities?" asked Shobha Shukla.
"All girls must receive the same education and equitable and just opportunities in life to follow their dreams work-wise, economic justice-wise as well as income-wise with parity, justice and dignity - and with zero guilt. We have to earn and have full control on our finances. We have to make investment decisions about our money too we will err because to err is human men also err so what is the big deal about it? We will learn and become better with finances," asserted Shobha Shukla who leads CNS.
"We have a right to relax, have a weekend off, or go out for a movie is this not normal for boys and men? Then why not for us? But when we do this, it is the 'disease' patriarchy that makes us all feel guilty. Uproot the disease out of us first," said Shobha.
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