Has anyone ever directed an unwanted comment towards you and you let it slide? Have there been times when you absolutely wanted to shut a guy down for mansplaining, but stopped yourself? You’re not alone. According to a study by the University of Cambridge from last year, women were two and a half times less likely to speak up in public than men. The reasons? They felt nervous or they were concerned that they ‘misunderstood the content.’
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Be it at our homes, in offices, during our commutes or even the casual sit-together with friends, we are think twice before speaking up against things that we disagree with. More often than not, we tend to brush aside casual sexist remarks. But not anymore.
If 2018 was the year of change fostered by the #MeToo Movement In India and the world, then 2019 should be the year of action. Writer and editor Hamna Zubair started a chain of posts on social media where she highlighted some of the top phrases women should practice saying in 2019. You can read her Tweet here:
Top phrases women should practice saying for 2019:
– I wasn’t done speaking, let me finish
– I don’t agree with you
– That wasn’t very nice
– I’m not comfortable with this
– That’s not appropriate
– No
– That’s personal
– I didn’t like that— Hamna Zubair (@hamnazubair) January 10, 2019
She followed it up with another post.
– I prefer not to talk about that
– You’re wrong
– That’s not true
– Don’t talk to me like that
– Don’t call me that
– Actually, that was my idea— Hamna Zubair (@hamnazubair) January 10, 2019
Inspired by Hamna, the POPxo have added to the list of phrases that women need to say more. These are the statements that should help you speak up when you encounter situations that you find uncomfortable. Take a look at them below.
1. That was offensive.
2. I’m smarter than you’re giving me credit for.
3. I deserve to be paid as much as you.
4. I’ll ask for your advice if I need it.
5. I’m capable of protecting myself.
6. I’m not your mother.
7. I want to end this conversation, I am not comfortable discussing it.
8. That is exactly what I said.
9. I don’t owe you an explanation.
10. You are not what I’m looking for. I know what I want.
11. No means No.
Recently, cricketers and film actor deemed as role-models have gone on air and advocating patriarchy and misogyny without any filter. When women and men all over the country displayed outrage at their statements, it did not fall on deaf ears. Rani Mukerji was called out all the half-baked things she said, while both Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul are looking at potential bans. That is the power of speaking up and it’s time we embraced it more.
POPxo is now available in six languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and Bangla.
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