STORY 2 – SOLDIER
It has been six months since I have moved out of my home, after I have been commissioned to the Indian army. Surviving in harsh conditions and moving forward in difficult terrain comes as a second nature to a soldier. It was about late at night, when I along with Captain Batra were heading a company of about thirty soldiers, out of which only eight were female soldiers. Being the only female officer in the regiment, I was given the charge of the company along with captain Batra, on a 5-day long exercise. After having walked for about 15 kilometers, without stopping once, captain Batra gave the command to halt and rest for about thirty minutes. I went and sat along with the other female soldiers. I was talking to someone, when I heard a few whispers and muffled voices. I decided to find out about the matter. When I enquired, initially no one spoke, but after I insisted, one women soldier came forward and said that, since we are in the middle of the forest, with thick forests, it is difficult for us to squat and urinate. She said that, it is very uncomfortable to squat as the grass beneath is poking and twenty-two men surround us. She had an expression of embarrassment on her face. When she said this, I patted her on her shoulder and said that, I understand how difficult it can be for a woman to survive in a male dominated profession. I took out a pack of Sanfe from my bag and handed it to her. She was surprised to see a pink packet in my hands. She asked what it was. I asked her to read, and after she did, she had a look of excitement and wonder in her eyes. I said that this pack of pink liberators has been my constant companion. It gives us the freedom to stand and pee. When we can excel in every field as equally as men can, we should not hesitate to stand up for ourselves as well.