Women should command and demand equal respect: Sania Mirza on reports of rise in domestic violence during Covid-19 lockdown

Sania Mirza has condemned reports of domestic violence being on the rise during Covid-19 lockdown (Reuters)

HIGHLIGHTS

• We need to be united: Sania Mirza to all men and women amid Covid-19 lockdown
• I condemn this and do it all the time: Sania on increase in domestic violence
• Don’t think we ever dreamt of life like this: Sania on lockdown

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has condemned reports of domestic violence being on the rise during the ongoing coronavirus lockdown during the E-Conclave Corona Series organised by India Today on Friday. Talking on a host of issues affecting daily lives during the outbreak, Sania also put the onus on women to “command and demand respect”.

“We need to be united. It is a simple mindset that needs to change. Men and women should be treated equally. I have also seen that report that domestic violence has gone up. It’s absurd. I condemn this and do it all the time. Women should be treated equally. We are talking about demanding equal respect. The onus is on the women to command and demand respect,” Sania said during the conclave.

Talking about the lockdown itself, Sania admitted that the current “emergency” is something no one could have thought of and everyone should pitch in with aid as no amount of help is going to be enough for all.

‘Full coverage of E-Conclave 2020 Corona Series’

“I think I don’t actually like to talk about everything I do. This kind of emergency we had over a month ago is not something we could have thought of. No matter what you do is less in today’s day and age.

“Donating is one thing and I had the reach to reach out to more people. We have raised over Rs 2.5 crore in the last one month. Lakhs and lakhs of meals have gone out but no matter what we do, it is not enough,” added Sania.

On her own mindset during the lockdown and without being able to play her favourite sport, Sania said that she had never dreamt of a life in such confinement.

“Perspective of life has changed. Don’t think we ever dreamt of life like this. Don’t remember the last time I stayed home for 5 weeks without going out anywhere. We will now think twice before taking a flight. I do really hope they’re going to think about each journeyman and not just about people who play the sports at the top,” opined Sania.

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