Netflix recently released the movie - 'Shabhaash Mithu'. The film is based on the story of Mithali Raj, who has served as the Indian women's cricket team's captain and led the team to international matches.
I am not going to summarize the movie for you. It is of course the story of a girl who is limited to learning 'girly' things and discouraged by her grandmother and even ignored for trying to attempt sports. It shows how the girl child is treated unfairly and only the fortunate ones get noticed and encouraged to do what they like.
Mithali is noticed by the coach for the boys and picked up and there is no looking back but her friend Noorie is not allowed to pursue her passion. Society has yet to change its attitude towards girl children and allow them to freely choose their careers and how to live their life without imposing religious and societal norms.
Women in blue
The women's cricket team is treated shabbily at the airport while the male team members get VIP treatment even after doing badly. It only shows the bias of the general public and also how only cricket is often glorified while other sports are ignored and the sports persons live an ignored life without any sponsorships or financial support.
Women in blue are equally if not more important than the men in blue. I am doubtful if there is an IPL for the women. I wish that sponsors with the big money start recognizing sports persons all over the country and not just cricket.
Just wishful thinking perhaps...
The movie has done justice and makes the viewer think about the injustice done to other people who play for the country. I am sure other countries treat their women sports persons with more dignity.
It is not enough to talk about women's empowerment. The people should do their part and encourage girl children to think for themselves and pursue their interests in life without being dusted under the carpet and told repeatedly that they are just worthless and only child-bearing machines.
I am not one of those activists but when I come across people who think that girls should not let their voices be heard, I really get worked up. I hope the situation changes soon. This is written on the Hive blockchain and it shall remain forever. So, if you are reading this after fifty years and the situation has not changed, then I am not sure what to say. Hopefully, it will.
Needless to say, please watch the movie and share this post for 'women in blue' and other such sports to get more recognition
image - screenshot