The Constitution of India guarantees equal rights to every citizen. On paper, everyone is entitled to dignity, freedom, and justice. However, the reality is very different for many sections of society. Women and LGBTQIA+ persons continue to face discrimination, control, and exclusion at multiple levels, including families, communities, workplaces, and institutions. In this article, Pritesh Kamble, Head of the Inclusion Unit, CYDA, reflects on how legally guaranteed rights are often taken away in everyday life.
Human Rights Day: Creating a Safe Space
On 10th December 2025, on the occasion of Human Rights Day, CYDA organized a reflective event to create a safe space for dialogue. Women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community came together to share their experiences, feelings, and perceptions of freedom and rights. Their identities were different, and their struggles varied, but their need was the same: to be heard without fear or judgment.
A Question That Changed the Room
The discussion opened with a simple but powerful question: “Are we really free?” The question created a deep silence across the room. It touched something personal and profound. One woman stood up and said, “On paper, we are free. But our minds, our bodies, and our decisions are still controlled by others.” Another participant spoke about how society limits a woman’s role to the home, children, and family. “Where are our dreams? Where is our identity?” she asked. These words reflected a shared experience among many women present.
Women’s Voices: Rights Without Freedom
As the discussion continued, women spoke about opportunities denied to them and decisions taken on their behalf. Many shared that even today, women are expected to give up education, careers, and personal ambitions for family responsibilities. While rights exist in law, the freedom to exercise them is often missing.
One woman shared: “Every time I think of doing something for myself, guilt stops me. Society has taught us that our dreams are selfish.” These experiences showed how control and expectations quietly take away freedom, even when no one openly denies rights.
LGBTQIA+ Voices: Pain, Courage, and Identity
When members of the LGBTQIA+ community began to speak, the atmosphere grew heavier. One participant said, “I was born different, not wrong. But society treats me like a mistake.”
Many spoke about being forced to leave their homes, surviving on the streets, or hiding their identities at workplaces out of fear of losing jobs. They shared experiences of family rejection, school bullying, and constant humiliation. One voice clearly stated, “We do not want special treatment. We only want to live.”
Another participant added, “Every day, just to be ourselves, we have to fight. How many more years?”
Awareness, Guidance, and Hope
The event also focused on awareness and empowerment. The facilitator addressed the participants and shared important information about rights, laws, and access to justice. The session helped many understand how to protect themselves and where to seek support. For several participants, it was the first time they felt informed and confident about their rights. As the facilitator said, “Rights are not only written in laws. They must be lived, demanded, and defended.”
A Shared Commitment
The programme ended with a powerful moment of unity. Everyone gathered in a circle, including women, men, transwomen, and non-binary persons. They came from different lives but shared the same struggle for dignity and freedom. Holding hands, they made a promise to themselves and to each other. “We will truly celebrate Human Rights Day only when we are all free, not just legally, but emotionally, socially, and personally.”
