I was called ‘Made in China’ and was asked to prove my nationality: Jwala Gutta makes shocking revelations on International Women’s Day

The whole world celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March. As UNESCO states, “International Women’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the progress made towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment but also to critically reflect on those accomplishments and strive for a greater momentum towards gender equality worldwide.

“It is a day to recognize the extraordinary acts of women and to stand together, as a united force, to advance gender equality around the world.” And sports is one field that has helped empower women to an extent. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with men athletes has sent a message of gender equality across the globe. India has also witnessed some of the finest women athletes and doubles badminton champions Jwala Gutta is undoubtedly one of them.

The Maharashtra-born player has brought many laurels to the country. But like many women in the country, Gutta also had to face verbal abuses and eve-teasing. In a recent interaction with News18, Jwala got candid about the obstacles she faced during her playing days and even now. She also called out for strong social media policing to prevent such incidents.

Gutta revealed how she had to face verbal abuse for expressing her views openly. “I was criticized about how I am and how I look. When a woman is candid and articulates her opinions freely, it is never taken in a right way. I was called ‘Made in China’ and was asked to prove my nationality,” Gutta told News18.

She further talked about how the situation has worsened with the increased use of social media platforms. “Earlier it used to be eve-teasing but now they (bullies) have a bigger platform. The power of anonymity has given them the confidence that they can harass or tease anyone without facing repercussions,” she added.

The kind of words people have started using is surprising: Gutta

The 38-year-old further demanded stricter social media policing and also expressed her worry for the young kids walking the wrong path. “Social media policing must become more strict. Sometimes there are young kids using fake IDs to harass women on social media. More than punishment, they need counseling. Regular counseling is important. The kind of words these people have started using, I won’t be surprised if they become violent in real life as well, not just on social media,” she firmly asserted.

The swashbuckling shuttler also urged young ladies to not shy away from calling out any sort of harassment they face. “I think it’s very important for women to come out and speak about the harassment they face. Keeping quiet or not doing anything about it is an encouragement to people who harass women online and offline. I would also like to tell women to stop doubting themselves. If you are the victim, you have nothing to fear. Come out and call out. Use the system to your advantage. The system is there to protect us. Don’t be scared. Believe that there will be a change in the future,” she added.