The Consortium of Pub-Going, Loose and Forward Women

A bit of Feminism news for ya:


The Consortium of Pub-Going, Loose and Forward Women arose as a result of violence done by
Sri Rama Sena, a right-wing Hindu group. More than a dozen angry men attacked women in a pub in Mangalore, India saying they were protecting Indian culture and values. These men were opposed to women drinking, wearing "indecent" dress and mingling with young people of other religions. These men promised the girls that if they were ever seen in pubs again, they would be punished.

Nisha Susan, the founder of The Consortium, formed a non-violent protest against Sri Rama Sena by having "pub-going, loose and easy" women send their pink panties, or "chaddis" to the leader of Sri Rama Sena on Valentine's Day, and/or go out to a pub to have a drink. The women who are a part of this group are educated, working women who are financially independent. They say that these men do not approve of their lifestyles, and believe their education and financial independence will allow for Western influence. Valentine's Day is a Western holiday that is viewed as decedent, and promotes loose sexual behavior and romantic love, two ideas not a part of traditional Indian culture.

On a news program I saw last night, several Indian women spoke about how this is not about women drinking at pubs, its about always having to look behind you, always being afraid someone is going to hit or chase you for something as petty as wearing pants instead of the traditional saree. They are protested against violence against women.

The women's sect of Sri Rama Sena, Durga Sena is replying to the Consortium's sent pink chaddis by sending Nisha Susan pink sarees and bangles. The Consortium says they will happily wear the pink sarees and still go out to pubs.


to find out more go here: http://thepinkchaddicampaign.blogspot.com/

and here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/world/asia/09india.html