Patriarchy refers to male domination of women, while feudalism is a social order. Feudalism was typically a patriarchal system because it was structured around male-dominated power hierarchies.
Khona, also known as Leelavati, was a brilliant figure in ancient Bengal whose contributions to agriculture, meteorology, and astrology became legendary through her sayings in "Khonar Bachan." Her rise as an intellectual threatened patriarchal norms, leading to tragic silencing by Varahamihira, who mutilated her tongue out of jealousy. Despite this, her wisdom endured, influencing generations and symbolizing the resilience of female intellect against oppression.
Nude protests have historically served as a powerful means for women to reclaim autonomy and challenge oppression. A recent protest in Iran highlighted this, with a student defying mandatory hijab laws, igniting global discourse on women's rights. Various global instances demonstrate the impact of these acts, compelling society to confront issues of control and freedom.
The 2016 Global Slavery Index, published by Perth-based Walk Free Foundation, estimates that 45.8 million people are subject to some form of modern slavery in the world today. Vulnerability to modern slavery is affected by a complex interaction of factors related to the presence or absence of protection and respect for rights, physical safety and security, access to the necessities of life such as food, water and health care, and patterns of migration, displacement and conflict.
