Definition of women: Courage, strength, determination

By Suhita Roy

When the government, people or court do not give us what we think is our right, what do we do? We usually take out rallies, candle light vigils, shout slogans and most of the times these yield results.

On this women’s day, however, I would like to write about someone who made a difference by refusing to do any of that, instead she made the world notice her protest by refusing to vacate her seat. This was civil rights activist Rosa Parks.

The incident took place in December 1955 in Montgomery. She was asked to give up her seat for a white passenger and she refused, not because she was tired and needed to sit but she was tired of giving in. Her silent protest and subsequent arrest led to a massive outcry known as Montgomery bus boycott. I admire her because she decided to protest against years of injustice meted towards coloured people. Will, determination and clarity towards a goal made her stand out and be firm no matter what the obstacle.

We are like that too, but tired of our daily battles we forget our vast inner strength and give in to what’s wrong. Rosa Parks and many like her inspire us to be strong, face challenges with determination and emerge victorious.

(The writer is a Delhi-based editorial consultant)