The article “The Untouchables Push Back in ‘Pink Saris,’” written by Cynthia Fuchs, is the story of a strong woman by the name of Sampat Pal. Domestic abuse of women is still a massive problem in India today although laws have been passed against it. The program Pink Saris focuses on the corrupt tradition of girls becoming married, raped, impregnated, and abused at an extremely young age. It is Sampat’s mission to stand up for these girls who cannot do it themselves, and encourage them to speak up. “If girls spoke up, the world would change. Be brave.” She tells girls coming to her doorstep for advice. Sampat is the founder of the Gulabi Gang, an all-female organization known for their signature pink saris and dedicated to educating and empowering women. She knows that things won’t change overnight, but Sampat is passionate about helping women, offering her words of wisdom and even her house to girls who come to her door.
What Sampat Pal is doing is extremely admirable. As a child bride herself, she understands how hard the India traditions can be, and I cannot even begin to comprehend that hardship. I was drawn in by this article immediately. We, as Americans, forget how fortunate we are to be free from the sort of violence women experience in other countries. I was so taken aback by the stories told by Sampat about young girls being raped and beaten by their in-laws. I admire Sampat for her courage and the passion she has for these young women. If only there were more people in the world like her.
photo: http://www.popmatters.com/images/news_art/f/film-pinksaris-poster.jpg
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