'I am a Muslim woman': Writer pens moving poem against right-wing attempt at harassment and humiliation

As the new year dawned upon the world, women in India woke up to another harrowing development. Some right wing elements in India had made an app named Bulli Bai where they had put up a list of names of some well-established, educated and strong Muslim women for auction. It was humiliating not only for Muslim women but also for every woman in India. In July last year, the right wing elements had made a similar app named Sulli deals.

The first victims of right wing hatred and propaganda antics are always women. Objectification of women has been a typical trait of the right wing politics. But this time Muslim women have raised a strong voice against such humiliating and vulgar tactics.

The strong voice of protest that was raised on various platforms against this atrocious, misogynistic attempt included a moving poem by Moumita Alam. Moumita Alam is a poet, teacher and author who writes focusing on the issues of the marginalised.

The poem 'I am A Muslim Woman' makes it clear in a deeply touching way that women, no matter which religious identity they belong to are the humanity's voice against oppression. They are not for sale:

I am A Muslim Woman

I am a Muslim Woman

And I am not for sale

I sacrifice my life for freedom struggle

I stand against the British rule

I am Shaheen bagh

I am the voice you are afraid of

In Kashmir, In Manipur

I stand against the oppression

I call out your name

In Jamia, In Aligarh

I am the history

You want to wipe

I am the geography

You want to annihilate

I am the sister

Who stands for all oppressed brothers

I am the mother

Whose sons disappear

I am the wife

Who heals you in your sickness

I am the carer

I am the lover

I am in land

I am in fire

I am in sky

I am with mike

against the vicious power

I am nurse, doctor, fighter, reporter

And so on

I am with Burqa without Burqa

I am the voice for the voiceless

I am Ayub, I am Khanum

I am Sidra, I am Azim,

I am Ismat, I am Rana

I am million lights

That blink in Singhu

I am a Muslim woman

I carry light in my eyes

For you

Oh coward , Oh wilful blinds.

Yes

I am a Muslim Woman

And I am not for auction.

Moumita Alam