The commodification of women is sad, feels social activist Ilina Sen

Hersu00a0is the story of a lone ranger, fighting a lonely battle. Hers is the battle for emancipation -- for her husband Dr Binayak Sen who has been accused and jailed for allegedly conspiring against the State.



Meet Ilina Sen, wife of activist Dr Binayak Sen, who has been fighting a legal battle for years against the State to get her husband back to normal life, free of all charges. MiDDAY caught up with the lady, an activist herself who works for the poor, and her views on the condition of women, the discrimination and hardships that they face, the significance of International Women's Day and more. Here are excerpts:

Given the condition of women in our country, have you ever felt bad about being a woman?
For me, being a woman has been an enriching experience. I love being a woman. Even in the
period of crises, when I was fighting against the system and the State to seek justice for my husband Dr Binayak Sen, it is my women friends who supported me. Also, being the mother of two daughters is another fulfilling experience.

Do you think picking out one day in the calendar and celebrating it as International Women's Day is justified?
It is not just one day, every day belongs to us women. What we know today as International Women's Day was originally about celebrating the victory of women textile workers in the United States who fought for their rights and got them too after much struggle. March 8 was originally known as International Working Women's Day.
I still prefer the old name because I feel it reminds us of what we are actually celebrating. However, I also believe that the world belongs to everybody. So it is not merely about celebrating one day.