"From the wrestling mat to the streets, Vinesh Phogat’s struggle highlights the ongoing battle against systemic injustice and gender inequality, shining a light on the resilience of women worldwide,” writes Vinta Nanda.

Imagine you're a step away from your final goal. Your weight to qualify for participation goes up by 2.7 kilos, which you must shed in less than 24 hours. You do everything within your control—stop eating, dehydrate, even remove blood from your system, cut your hair and clothes to reach the requisite weight. Yet, you miss it by 100 grams. Disqualified, your biggest dream is shattered, along with the hopes raised among a billion people back home.

Vinesh Phogat’s journey from wrestling champion to a symbol of women's rights in India highlights the pervasive challenges of gender inequality and systemic injustice. I’m exploring her courageous fight against the Wrestling Federation of India's president, a man accused of sexual harassment by none other than champions of the game who brought India pride. By talking about the broader impact of her protests and the resilience required to confront such entrenched patriarchal systems, let’s visit the ongoing struggle for women's equality in sports and beyond. This article not only celebrates Phogat’s indomitable spirit but also calls for a renewed commitment to justice and systemic change.

The Relentless Fight for Equality: Vinesh Phogat's Journey and the #MeToo Movement in India

Today, Vinesh Phogat retired from wrestling, but her legacy will endure. Her story is a powerful testament to the courage it takes to challenge injustice and the resilience needed to pursue one’s dreams against all odds. She remains a hero, not just of sports but also in the annals of feminist movements globally.

Vinesh Phogat's journey, along with the broader experiences of women post-#MeToo, calls for a renewed commitment to gender equality and justice. It is a reminder that the fight against patriarchal oppression requires sustained effort, solidarity, and the courage to challenge entrenched power structures. The experiences of all the women highlight the urgent need for systemic change and the creation of supportive environments where survivors of harassment can seek justice without fear.

Tarana Burke's words resonate deeply: "You don't have to be anything but yourself to make a difference. You just have to decide that wherever you are, whatever your circumstances, that this is your moment." Vinesh Phogat's story, and those of many others who fought against the system, embody this spirit.

The Courage to Confront

Let's go to the backstory. Let's go back to the courage of Vinesh Phogat, who challenged the system alongside Saakshi Mallik, another champion who had brought much glory to the country from international games, and took to the streets for justice—not just for herself but for many others. In the month of May this year, a Delhi court ordered the framing of charges against the former Wrestling Federation of India chief in the sexual harassment allegations levelled by women wrestlers. The court said there is sufficient evidence on record to do so, paving the way for the beginning of the trial against him.

The Courage to Confront

Earlier this year, Vinesh Phogat had said she feared the federation because it was against her and would do anything to harm her journey to the top. She worked with her own team, refusing to let the federation appointees come close to her. This decision stresses the deep mistrust and toxic environment created by the very organization supposed to support her. A government that meted out the most inhuman treatment to her and her fellow protestors last year outside the parliament speaks volumes about its intentions toward women's equality and justice.

The Power Dynamics

Simultaneously to the on-going protests of women last year, preparations were on for the inauguration of the new parliament building, a huge ego booster for the Prime Minister of the country. The fact that the building is already leaking in the first monsoons is another story. The world watched the young women protest outside the humongous inaugural event organized for all to see on live television. These young women were an embarrassment to the powers, so they were dragged away from where they protested ruthlessly by police.

The Injustice

Despite the protests and global attention, the outcome was disheartening. The man accused of harassing young sportswomen resigned from his position but faced no further repercussions. Instead, a close family member took his place, and the cycle of injustice continued. Vinesh Phogat and her fellow protestors were met with brutality by the police, who were powerless to administer true justice due to their allegiance to the government.

The #MeToo Movement in India

We are all aware of what has happened post the #MeToo movement in India. We know how all those brave women who spoke of harassment were ostracized from their respective industries, whereas the men they named and shamed continue to walk the corridors of power in their businesses and wax eloquent on politics and other issues on primetime national television debates as if nothing happened.

Gloria Steinem said, "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." This sentiment rings true as we observe the collective efforts of the women who called out patriarchy during the #MeToo movement, only to be met with systemic resistance. The industries, business, the media, the government, and above all, the women who populate these spheres, have aided each other in silencing the women who told the world their truth with herculean courage.

The Collapse of the Support System

The initial momentum of the #MeToo movement was unsustainable in the face of systemic opposition. As the patriarchal establishment waited for the movement to lose steam, it seized the opportunity to reassert control, systematically dismantling the support networks that had empowered women to speak out. This coordinated effort by various societal pillars to suppress the voices of survivors is a stark reminder of the challenges in achieving true gender equality.

Just recall Roxane Gay's words: "The world changes in direct proportion to the number of people willing to be honest about their lives." These words highlight the importance of these voices. Their honesty and courage were pivotal in bringing to light the widespread issue of sexual harassment, even as the patriarchy worked tirelessly to silence them.

The Comeback

Undeterred by setbacks, Vinesh Phogat returned to training with renewed purpose. Because she was protesting during the days when the selection of players for the Olympics was carried out, another woman qualified for the 53 kg bouts in which Vinesh had fought several times before and brought laurels to the country. The next best thing for her to do was to go for the 50 kg bracket, and she made it. She brought her weight down from 57 kgs and maintained it through training and eventually reached the finals after winning three rounds, including beating the world champion from Japan in the semi-finals.

The Final Hurdle

However, fate had another cruel twist in store. Despite her extraordinary efforts, Vinesh Phogat missed the qualifying weight by a mere 100 grams on the day of the finals, leading to her disqualification. This crushing disappointment shattered not only her dreams but also the hopes of millions inspired by her strength.

Vinesh Phogat's legacy will be remembered not just for her achievements in wrestling but for her courage to confront injustice. Her story reinforces hope for future generations, emphasizes the importance of solidarity, and the continued fight for a just and equitable society.