Barbara is a freelance writer, photographer and photojournalist living in Eugene, Oregon. She is interested in social issues around the world as is presently working on a book project on the subject of femicide in India.
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I first went to India in 2000 to study Ayurveda with the intention of returning home and opening a wellness clinic. With an extensive and eclectic background in alternative healthcare, my plan was to incorporate several different healing modalities with ayurveda. India had different plans for me however, prompting me to shift from the healthcare field to getting involved in and writing about social issues. During my last three visits I have spent 18 months in India researching and gathering stories for my book.
Contact Barbara:
I am very impressed with your concerns and efforts. Recently, I wrote a post on honor killings in Palestine. I did mention in that post that crimes against women is not just an Islamic problem but occurs in many non-Islamic societies. India is one and then there is China (which I am told by witnesses, not only engages in foeticide but also female infanticide after a child is born. I believe one child policy further exacerbated these crimes in China)
Now, you’re well- aware of the Indian situation: Most of India, especially North India and particularly Punjab is hell for women created, supported, abetted and encouraged by both men and women. How sad. Though the header of your blog does not mention but honor killings are not so uncommon either for reasons of caste, ”honor” and religion etc.
I wish I still had the link, but in Punjab’s The Tribune newspaper I’d read another shocking news story on female feticide about a year ago. Many people had been complaining about stench from some underground drain or something. When some people dug it they unearthed mass graves of killed female fetuses that the villagers had secretly been burying, discarding there for God knows how long.
But honestly, these things will not resolve by just spreading awareness. As you know yourself, Indian newspapers do report on it once in a while.
Your book will shock the Western world and move some to tears, it will not change anything in India because even the most educated and powerful are anti-women (including women, I know it sounds paradoxical) These crimes originate from the intricate make-up of the whole culture, history, tribalism, mass neuroticism and society that is truly dysfunctional and is proud of it too.
emberglow – thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and for your comments.
I am aware of the story you are referring to that happened in Punjab. I spoke with a reporter who covered the story. If it is the same story (there have actually been several of this nature) the bodies of 50 female babies were recovered from a well.
Awareness will not be enough to erradicate the problem, but it is needed to generate more attention. What I am finding is that many Indians deny that these problems still exist. Some may genuinely not know, but as you say, there are articles in the news on a near daily basis.
Education has not made a difference, because it is among the “educated” that many of these crimes have taken place. Solutions must focus of awareness of the long term ramifications of skewed sex ratios (which we’re already witnessing in parts of N. India), on enforcement of laws (difficult given the corruption of the police and government officials) and punishment of those responsible for these crimes against India’s daughters. It will take a long time to change the problems since they are so deeply entrenched. That just means more people getting involved to help raise awareness. There are always solutions.
Hey Barbara,
After months, I have just realized that my comment left link for my multiply page which is not where I blog. I often write on international human rights, freedom, politics at http://emberglow.wordpress.com
And yes, that was the incident I was talking about. I believe the problems become almost impossible to solve when it is believed that a particular behavior is the part of one’s culture. In this case, subordination of women, forced arranged marriages, and the dowry system, that keeps re-inventing itself even in modern times. Even if you talk to educated people, after a while the discussion leads to ”attack on our culture” bit. Same is true with Islamic societies today.
Recently, both New York Times and The Washington Post did stories on how economic liberalization has made ”Indian women” confident and independent. As someone who has lived in India you would know it is only a tiny percentage maybe 1 or 2% of urban women that live in the metropolitan cities.
But I believe economic freedom is the only meaningful solution where women cannot only get school and college degrees but can have gainful and influential careers to be self- reliant. The key to one’s freedom must be in one’s own hand.
I wish you good luck in your noble work. Will keep an eye on this blog for updates.
Barbara, I agree with you when you say that Indians don’t accept that these problems exist. Even if they are aware, majority is still in denial. Long term consequences on the society as a whole as a result of a menace like female genocide are not considered at all. Sense of social responsibility is next to none. Awareness is not required to tell people that these problems exist but to sensitize them to the consequences of the existing problems. That, like Emberglow mentioned, is an uphill task. More power to you. If you would like any assistance, please be in touch with me and I would do my best to be of help.
Dear Roop,
I would love your help; we need to join hands and efforts. I have tried to access your blog but am receiving an error message. Please feel free to contact me on my e-mail.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Barbara
What do foreigners like you really enjoy so much about this overcrowded slum called India? I can’t wait to get out of this godforsaken country and live in some real, decent civilization minus the poverty, filth and corruption. Whatever greatness India once had lies in perpetual ruin today. Anyone who thinks of investing his/her future in this “Incredible India” -you have my best wishes. I wish there were more people in developed countries like you who’d be willing to swap their citizenship with me.
Hi Barbara,
Very nice work. I was just browsing through some pages on female foeticide in India and came across your page. Was brainstorming to make a short film of 1 or 2 minutes on this issue, nothing has clicked so far. Would share if I can make one.
I would like to see other works of yours. Photography,writings etc.
thanks
Kuldip
Kuldip –
Thank you!
A few ideas for a film would be to speak with those who may be open to sharing their viewpoints on female foeticide. It would make for an interesting conversation with others. It would be much appreciated if you shared your film here.
I’m plugging along, with intentions to get other works posted. Keep checking in!
Namaste!
Barbara
I’ve lived in India for several years and plan to return. As a woman I have been through a lot (of harrassment) there and that is one of the reasons why I decided to take a break in USA for a while. When I do return I would like to do something to better the lot of women, including myself, there. However, I’ve not yet found a way to do that which fits with my lifestyle and my sensitivity to suffering.
Barbara, are you still currently in India?
Cultre Phile – I understand needing the break. I am currently in the states, with no immediate plans to return to India. Perhaps in 2010. Please keep in touch with your plans.
it is good to read/see your continued involvement…what an awe inspiring webPage this is.
huuuuu
My best wishes for the endeavor!
Hi Barbara,
My book is coming out on June 15, and I was wondering if you’d be willing to feature something about it on your site?
http://weightofsilence.wordpress.com
I would really love it if you could make an announcement about the book publication, or maybe do a review or a Q&A or something? I’m setting up a Virtual Book Tour for June 15-30 that maybe you could be a part of….
Let me know! Thanks and namaste,
Shelley
Hey Shelly — good to hear from you. I’d love to announce the release of your book. I’d like to read it as well. Please let me know more about the virtual book tour and any way that I may be able to help.
Namaste!
Barbara
Dear Ms. Barbara,
It was nice to see your blog. I am pleased to find an associate for the cause of Indian Daughters. I suppose you are already aware of the fact of Pre-Natal Sex-Determination tests, which have proved fatal to the declining sex-ratio in Rajasthan. The recent cases of malpractice observed by doctors are only a fraction of the people who were found to be involved in it. The situation has gone so bad that the sex-ratio in Rajasthan has reduced to 909 per 1000 males and one of the top 10 states in sex-selective abortion. To this effect, we innovated a system to fight against such malpractioners and give a tool the appropriate authorities to effectively enforce the applicable laws.
We introduce ourselves as the innovators of “Silent Observer(TM)”. We had supplied the We at Sukrut strongly feel that “if a technology can create problem of sex determination, than technology can definitely solve the problem also”. Being from technical background, this is how we think we can contribute to social cause of female foeticide in India. Let me know how can we connect with you so that I can send more information about the initiative.
Thank you Narendra, for your comment and additional information via e-mail. I will look at it and be back in touch.