“...I couldn’t bear to have this world be your future. So I had to fight”.

-Eudoria Holmes to her daughter Enola in Netflix movie “Enola Homes”

The mesmerising beauty of coral reefs is attributed to the mutualism that exists between coral polyps (tiny animals related to sea anemones) and zooxanthellae (microscopic algae). Coral polyps- the provider of protection and nourishment; zooxanthellae- the provider of oxygen, nutrients and vibrant colours. However during heat stress owing to ocean warming, the polyps expel the zooxanthellae leaving the corals bleached. Persistent and increased stress may lead to degradation of the reef system.

Similarly and unfortunately, womanhood is getting bleached. The stress is patriarchy and sexism, stressed polyps are women who have internalised patriarchy and sexism while the algae are women with vibrant aspirations to bring life and beauty to womanhood. So it seems the goal is first to “smash internalised patriarchy” and then “smash patriarchy”.

It is disheartening to see how the fight for women’s rights is rendered toothless because of “women” who persistently let down their own tribe. Silencing, judging, shaming, blaming, moral policing- all are brutally defeating the purpose of empowerment. Thus bringing not only womankind but the entire humankind on the brink of degradation. 

In the case of corals we cannot expect the corals themselves to fight back and undo the damage as the causative factors are beyond their control. However, women do have a huge role to play in repairing the damage and bringing about change. The beauty of womanhood lies in- mutualism, solidarity and sisterhood. 

The dignity, freedom and aspirations of women certainly need the protection and nourishment of fellow women. This armour will embolden them to assert and fight for their rights. Since charity begins at home, women and girls should consciously stop doubting the mettle of fellow female family members in their pursuits of life. Not allowing daughters to choose careers of their choice that are “perceived as tough and unsuitable for girls” (eg.- armed forces, sports, etc); or not allowing mothers to follow their passion by tying them down to motherhood and household responsibilities; or not allowing women and girls to voice their opinion about themselves as well as the family and house they live in is blatantly unfair. Grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters, daughters, mothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and daughters-in-all— all must empathise with and stand for each other. At workplaces too, women in positions of power and authority can play an instrumental role in helping competent and talented women break the glass ceiling. 

Mutual respect and empathy will certainly go a long way in enhancing and strengthening mutualism among women.

Solidarity is another aspect that can work wonders for women. Bruises given by hatred and misogyny need the medicine of support and solidarity and not the salt of judgement. Rampant victim-blaming is witnessed when an incident of violence or abuse against a woman or girl comes to the fore. “She does not fulfil his wishes and desires that is why she deserves to face the wrath of her husband”, “she has embraced a bold lifestyle, no wonder she invites unwarranted attention”, “she doesn’t know how to cook and manage the house, what is the use of her degrees and awards”, “she is 30 and unmarried, something has to be wrong with her”,..... And it goes on and on and on. Sadly, major contribution to these judgemental remarks is from women themselves. Even if half the time and energy spent on this shaming and blaming is diverted towards raising a feminist son and sensitising the men, the scene will be quite different and positive for everyone. It is not only the wings of the sanitary pad that women need, but also the wings of support and strength from their fellow tribe!

And finally the elixir– Sisterhood! Women ought to embrace sisterhood in all walks of life and all aspects- social, political, economical, religious, environmental, etc. For this they need to unlearn a huge misconception—women are not supposed to be the epitome of perfection by conforming to the stereotypes and standards laid down by the patriarchal and misogynistic society. It is only when women will learn to embrace themselves as they are, they will be able to tone down their judgement and intolerance towards their sisters. Otherwise showing indifference and disgrace will surely drown the ship of womankind. 

However, all this that "she" can do for "her" needs one important prerequisite— SELF-WORTH. 

“Every woman that finally figured out her worth, has picked up her suitcases of pride and boarded a flight to freedom, which landed in the valley of change.”- Shannon L. Alder. 

Our world needs happy men and women, not controlling men and tamed women.

Lastly, in order to suppress "his" unfair and abusive might, "she" has to stand for "her" and fight.