Exploring Justice
As I write about ‘Justice’, I am presently conscious of a source of power coming into me: I feel more aware…more alert…more alive. I would imagine this kind of power to come into someone who is trying to seek justice; someone standing up and fighting for their own or another’s rights. I recall having this same energy when I fought for the rights of women at an old workplace that had ‘Offensive Waste’ written on the sanitary bins in the ladies toilets. I could not remember the last time I was so taken aback at something. Not only do women find it difficult to be open about their periods due to the unfortunate stigma associated with them, but to now call it ‘offensive’ was a step too far for me.
Taking large footsteps back to my desk, I picked up the phone to the relevant department where thankfully a woman answered. Although she began with trying to be professional in explaining that ‘Offensive Waste’ is an NHS term that does not only allude to used sanitary products. I politely awoke the warrior female within her and asked if she personally felt it was right. A week later, all signs had been removed. I felt a sense of triumph. Not for myself, but for all the women in that workplace who had one less place where they were not being forced to experience period-shame. Justice!
I have always struggled to understand why the biology of a woman whose purpose it is to create life, and in some cultures women in general, are met with ill-thought. Naturally, this brings a beautiful and thought-provoking shabad (religious prayer/hymn) to mind written by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji:
If this is the first time you are laying eyes on the above shabad, hold onto how it makes you feel. It is so honouring and empowering to be part of a belief that has always been so forward-thinking for the rights of women, including strongly challenging female infanticide. I felt that by making that change in my old workplace symbolised in a small way me walking in the footsteps of the Sikh Gurus who have fought for respect for women.
Stepping away from the spotlight on gender though, I realised that fighting for rights is in our blood and that we should be willing to sacrifice ourselves in the name of justice just as our Gurus did whilst staying grounded in spirituality. I understand this act as being for both ourselves alongside others even if the unjust action does not involve or relate to us personally. Sikhi therefore encouraged me to contemplate the political world – a world I used to run away from because it felt too difficult for me to understand.
Fighting for my own rights however has been difficult at times, especially when I have felt alone. At the time of my marriage, I tried explaining to my loved ones that I did not want to follow traditional cultural wedding customs as they were not rooted in Sikhi. I struggled to be heard because no-one understood. They did not want to change the status quo and do something different even though these customs were the ‘difference’ when they were introduced. I also knew I was not strong enough in my Sikhi or courageous enough back then to go against my loved one’s wishes. I backed down to maintain peace and harmony. 5 years later, now stronger in my Sikhi and having eradicated the people-pleasing nature of my personhood, my loved ones have grown to accept this part of me even though they may still not fully understand, I could not be more grateful. It taught me that sometimes seeking justice takes time, but it will happen.
I also see justice as an art, comprising an optimal blend of brush strokes that reflect internal strength, bravery and courage. I recognise these brush strokes being at times vigorously smeared across the palette of my mind, attempting to cast light over the somewhat constant barrage of negative thoughts that create barriers towards my path to meet the Maker just as my Gurus did. This internal battle will be the last that I fight for the rights of my mind to once again remain in bliss for eternity.
Image by Kanwar Singh. Sri Akal Takhat Sahib - Throne of the Almighty. Digital Painting