This is not actually written by me, but a relative of mine, Ruchira Sen. But I agree to whatever she has said, so decided to pen it down here...
Things I'll tell my daughter(Hope I have one someday)
1.You don't need to feel pressurized to look 'presentable'. Maintain the level of hygiene that makes you comfortable. Quite honestly, how you look doesn't matter. What matters is what you stand for, which should feature in who you are.
2.No, you don't need to be home by sunset. People will try to harass/molest/rape you wherever you are. The idea is to terrorize you into hiding at home and to keep you away from making your voice heard. It helps to be safe, to take transport after dark instead of walking, t know your routes, to be with friends if possible but assert your right to be whenever and wherever you want to be and if you are walking and alone and are stalked, remember it is not your fault. You are not asking for it. If you are in a boy's room at a particular time, it does not mean that anyone can treat you anyway. You are not asking for it.
3.Eat and drink as much as you like.
4.A blood stain in your dress is not a shameful thing. Menstruating is normal.
5.No, you don't need to be a 'lady' because 'well behaved women seldom made history'. It's enough to be a good person-to be helpful,caring and sensitive, to know what's true and right and good and strive for it.
Things I'll tell my daughter(Hope I have one someday)
1.You don't need to feel pressurized to look 'presentable'. Maintain the level of hygiene that makes you comfortable. Quite honestly, how you look doesn't matter. What matters is what you stand for, which should feature in who you are.
2.No, you don't need to be home by sunset. People will try to harass/molest/rape you wherever you are. The idea is to terrorize you into hiding at home and to keep you away from making your voice heard. It helps to be safe, to take transport after dark instead of walking, t know your routes, to be with friends if possible but assert your right to be whenever and wherever you want to be and if you are walking and alone and are stalked, remember it is not your fault. You are not asking for it. If you are in a boy's room at a particular time, it does not mean that anyone can treat you anyway. You are not asking for it.
3.Eat and drink as much as you like.
4.A blood stain in your dress is not a shameful thing. Menstruating is normal.
5.No, you don't need to be a 'lady' because 'well behaved women seldom made history'. It's enough to be a good person-to be helpful,caring and sensitive, to know what's true and right and good and strive for it.
