As the #metoo movement gains momentum, and heroes become monsters, Divya Desa, the woman at the centre of our very own shake-up at Pune's high spirits cafe, leads the charge and says: it’s never too late to make your voice heard.
In October, a little after The New York Times exposition of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein exploded across the Internet and set in motion a worldwide outpouring of women (and men) detailing their experiences of sexual harassment, I was at the centre of a smaller, but no less damning revolution in this part of the woods. After years of struggling to come to terms with the abuse I endured at my first full-time job as a public relations executive and personal assistant at The High Spirits Cafe, a well-loved Pune party haunt, I finally went public with it.
The reactions to my story were largely positive. I was met with a wave of support from close friends, people I hadn’t spoken to in years… even strangers over social media, the phone and in person. It definitely helped me brace for the negative reactions, a common refrain of which was, “Why are you speaking up now, after so many years? Why did you keep quiet for so long?” I wish there was a succinct, easy way to answer these questions, but there isn’t. Still, I’m going to try.
It’s important to remember that as with everything else, so too with harassment and abuse: every victim I reacts in their own way. There are several factors that affect the way we process and acknowledge experience, especially trauma—from conditioning, to socio-economic status, to exposure, to emotional intelligence, to personality type, to how supported and comfortable we feel in the world. Questioning why someone reacted to abuse in a certain way and not the other is about as meaningful as asking someone why they love alt-rock and not death metal, or why they speak Hindustani and not Bambaiya.
この記事は Elle India の January 2018 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Elle India の January 2018 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Bridal Trends, 2024 Edition
Bralettes, corsets and mermaid skirts emerge as the new must-haves when it comes to wedding dressing
All The Feels
Maahi Shah takes a deeper look at the big little moments in a bride's life as she prepares for her wedding day
ISLAND ESCAPADE
Here's why Fiji is the ultimate destination to celebrate your love.
ROMANTIC ESCAPES
Wondering where to head for a honeymoon getaway? Isha Mayer recommends five luxurious destinations for your honeymoon
The Taste Of Weddings
What goes behind planning those extravagant grazing tables and indulgent bites at weddings? Top gourmet caterers let Isha Mayer in on their processes
Challenging Convention One Ritual at a Time
Maahi Shah speaks to five female priests who have been breaking new ground while upholding faith and pursuing a passion for learning
FIJI: A TROPICAL FOR INDIAN HAVEN WEDDINGS
From pristine beaches to cultural familiarity, discover why Fiji is the perfect destination for Indian weddings.
MAKE YOUR WEDDING FANTASY A REALITY
The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace offers luxurious venues, exquisite dining and unforgettable moments
SHINING BRIGHT EVERYWHERE
Lab-grown diamonds for every occasion—luxury and affordability
BRIDAL BEAUTY, REDEFINED
Christine Ko, CEO of Moira Cosmetics, shares her insights on makeup for brides and the art of achieving radiant skin.