Women who have the courage of a thousand men in bloody battles

IT’S no ordinary day. The thought that I have served the ends of truth and justice by simply assisting well meaning individuals in their efforts to pursue the ends of TRUTH and JUSTICE is something that is priceless for me.

The realization that every girl-child and women in our society continue to be vulnerable to the snares of the “devil” in patriarchy however, is not a comforting truth. It grips me with so much trepidation for loved ones and even those I hardly know and might not ever meet in this lifetime, for women like “Maricel” and “Vilma”, prostituted women who continue to dream of that illusive but better place where they can call their own home.

Home is where the heart is. This adage cannot be truer in its simplest sense among the prostituted women, whose bodies are aching for reprieve and peace, from being continuously used and abused. But then, even dogs in the streets are longing for home, the real abode where love and respect among its occupants (supposedly) exists. How much more for humans who are CREATED in the likeness and image of their Creator?

The vicious cycle that most of these women have been living their lives in “hell” makes the existence of a rights-based organization like TALIKALA a necessity, something that could be likened to a “manna from heaven” in olden times. Talikala, a non-government organization that seeks to break the vicious cycle of women’s oppression brought about by prostitution, has become a symbol of that beacon of light guiding ships in distress out in the vast restless ocean. And yet, it is disheartening to realize that more and more among God’s “Anawim” are calling out for help, such that it could smother the beacon’s light and make Talikala’s effort a minuscule.

That is why it is important for people, especially those in the academe to realize their potent role in becoming the hope that Talikala symbolizes for the abused and violated women. Seemingly small amidst such a gargantuan task, Talikala through the years have seemingly trodden such a lonely road less travelled, and yet the few women in this human rights organization have the courage of a thousand men fighting senseless bloody wars fighting for hegemony and the perpetuation of an unjust system.

And in this war, the women and children continue to be the hapless victims fed on by the wolves in sheep’s skin. As this societal malaise continue to hound the basic unit of society which is the family, as the patriarchal system is still in control over every sector and facet of society, our sense of justice is also being compromised.

But then, it is sad to think that most often, the women’s effort to uplift their lives are being prevented by the male members in the family who are supposed to be the “haligi” or one of the foundations of the family, which is symbolized by the father in the family. This is not putting the blame on individuals, but then in resolving problems in the family, it is important that every member of the family must face up to each of their responsibilities.

Perhaps the women’s efforts might still find fruition somehow, but with the way things are going, it seems gray clouds cannot lift itself in the horizon. If women have to be freed from the shackles of oppression, the basic unit of society should be the first to break their chain of oppression.

Sadly, the real situation does not point to this truth, but continues to be oppressive and degrading. It is our fervent hope then that more and more well meaning individuals will support the efforts of TALIKALA and the countless men , women and the youth who are working for the true PEACE to reign in our land.