Kawalpreet Kaur On Activism, Gender & Her Interest In Politics

In a society where young girls taking interest in politics is a rarity, young student leader and political activist Kawalpreet Kaur not just showed interest in it since her school days but also actively participated and organized rallies in her college. Former state president of All India Student’s Association (AISA), this fiery young law graduate from Delhi University has gained recognition across the country for raising her voice against institutional injustice against marginalized and student groups by the university administration and the government.

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“Politics affects us in every manner -- whether it is about a book that gets banned to the food you eat. It matters to the point that politics can get you lynched as well. So when politics is so deeply ingrained in our lives, every individual must take interest in the political scenario of the country,” said Kaur in a free-wheeling conversation with SheThePeople.TV.

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"The past two years have really shown us that women students own spaces in their universities across the board. Now the protests have gone beyond cities. Earlier, one would say that it is the city women who want all these rights to stay out for longer, but today, even universities in semi-urban and rural areas are erupting with such protests and that is wonderful to see."

From marching in protests to making passionate speeches, Kaur has established her space as an activist and a woman with a voice. Along with her, now women in several other universities have also started protesting for their equal rights. Talking about women reclaiming university spaces, Kaur said, “The past two years have really shown us that women student own spaces in their universities across the board. Now the protests have gone beyond cities. Earlier, one would say that it is the city women who want all these rights to stay out for longer, but today, even universities in semi-urban and rural areas are erupting with such protests and that is wonderful to see.”

Talking about the threats of activism and how gender plays a big role in it, Kaur said that she is fully aware of the constraints of her gender every time she step out of the house or even when she is within it. “Even when I am facing backlash on social media or in the university space, being a woman on top of political activism is a double-ended sword on your head,” added Kaur.

She is one of the young inspirational women of the country who are going to shape the future of women in politics. Just by being out there, on the streets, fighting for others is a sign of empowerment that Kaur exudes.

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