Quite a ’fair’ deal

This International Women's Day, MiD DAY spoke to a former hermaphrodite with an ultimate desire to be simply accepted as a woman

Quite a 'fair' deal

This International Women's Day, MiD DAY spoke to a former hermaphrodite with an ultimate desire to be simply accepted as a woman

The word woman has been defined and redefined across time, and 100 years after International Women's Day was first marked, MiD DAY takes a look at how the very definition of woman has evolved.

Starting afresh: Suma works at Sangma, a human rights organisation,
has a boyfriend and will be completing her education in a few years

Suma, a 25-year-old human rights activist who spends her evenings tutoring school kids at her home, was born a transgender. However, she was raised as a male by her parents, who refused to acknowledge the fact that she was different.

In a desperate attempt to find her own identity, Suma took to prostitution at the age of 18, hoping some day to save enough money to have a sex change operation.

At the age of 22, she had saved enough money to have her male genitals removed. Not only did the operation mean that she could officially be a woman, it also meant that she could give up prostitution and begin afresh. She explains, "I am, and always have been a woman. I found it very restrictive being a man."

Suma now spends a considerable amount of time grooming herself in the morning. "Now I can wear a sari and not feel uncomfortable. I've let my hair grow long and even apply make-up, which is something I couldn't do earlier."

While her parents still refuse to acknowledge her orientation and accept her the way she chooses to be, Suma has simply decided to move on. She now works at Sangma, a human rights organisation, has a boyfriend and will be completing her education in a few years.

When asked what Women's Day means to her, she said, "I've always wanted people to know that I am a woman. Now that it's official, it is a day to celebrate my sexuality openly."

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