She isn't free

She dare not walk alone on those empty streets

She dare not take the public transport past sunset

She dare not make eye contact with the strangers she meets

She dare not show her open mindset

Predators all around, she needs to constantly watch out

All the while she juggles her work and life

To not attract attention, her bright lipstick she wipes out

She still carries the pepper spray and the pen knife

Today’s world, they talk of inclusion and diversity

Can we first guarantee her basic safety?

Of equity and allies, we talk so much

Why is she still startled on the slightest touch?

She has conquered the skies, scaled the highest peaks

But she still shudders to cross that dim light street

Of her entrepreneurial spirit, in volumes we speak

But why does she still prefer to remain discreet?

Vigilant she always has to be, she cannot afford to be off guard

For there are vultures waiting, just to rip her flesh and soul apart

The culprits walk free without remorse, playing the victim card

All we do is moral policing, for that is what we are good at

Nirbhaya, Abhaya, how many more? I do not see a full stop

Freedom is just a myth for her, when she cannot be even safe and care free