19 Comments

it is indeed very hard hitting......hopefully it might change one day........or only when this society is changed forcefully by the like minded younger generation?

Expand full comment

I hope the younger generation is able to force us to change Uncle, and have a narrative where all this feels alien to them.

Expand full comment

Each story seems very familiar and that is chilling! Very powerful essay.

Expand full comment

Thanks Harry. Maybe there's a time in the future when it will seem unfamiliar. I hope I live to see that day :)

Expand full comment

What a powerful essay. I remember the first time I felt... Scared in the presence of an older man, and all these years later, I'm still wondering why I never told my parents and I think it has to do with the fact that i toownas scared my independence would be stolen away. I was 9 or 10, and used to go down to play with my friends. I don't know if this is the right thing to say, but I think I've got some sense of closure after reading your essay. Thank you so much for sharing this here 💖

Expand full comment

I don't think there's a wrong thing to say :). I'm glad it helped you process your emotions. Giant virtual hug <3

Expand full comment

This story has a lot of potential. The beginning starts really strong and the images you chose (and photos) have a lot of power. It needs an edit though! It deserves it. Watch out for the nasty punctuation mistakes.

Expand full comment

Thanks shall take a look again for the edits

Expand full comment

Read with gutted teeth and breath held. I wish we did not have to write such essays but since we have to thank goodness there are brave women like you who write it and so powerfully. More power to you Smriti!

Expand full comment

Thank you. It’s one of those odd things where i want it to resonate and at the same time wish it was alien to everyone who reads it.

Expand full comment

Gritted teeth 😔

Expand full comment

This is... so good!

Expand full comment

Thanks for reading Prerna !

Expand full comment

Very well written .. a reminder of the non- equality of women vis a vis men that is reinforced everyday by various men in many ways including sexual aggression and power play. It is indeed a horrible experience to go through for women on a daily basis . Yes the solution is perhaps a combination of educating men and in all women drawing themselves upto speak. You may say that I am a dreamer .. but I Imagine that some day comes when equality prevails (with apologies to john lennon and Imagine)

Expand full comment

What a power packed essay! What stunning writing!

Expand full comment

Thanks Sanskriti. Hope it resonated !

Expand full comment

One of those unfortunate times where you hope and don’t hope it resonates since it’s the story of every woman on earth

Expand full comment

Bravo, @Smriti ✊🏼

Expand full comment

Thank you @natasha

Expand full comment