How many times must a woman get harassed?
Before they reach their homes
How many battles must a woman have to fight?
Before she stands for her rights
How many rapes must we report on a day?
Before they are forever stopped
The answer, my friend, is not blowing in the wind
the answer is not blowing in the wind
How many years must a court case take?
Before women give up their case
how many years can some women exist?
Before they’re allowed to be safe
how many times can a man turn his head?
And pretend that he just doesn’t see
the answer, my friend, is not blowing in the wind
the answer is not blowing in the wind
how many times must a woman cry in pain?
Before she can be heard?
How many ears must one man have?
Before he can hear women cry
how many deaths will it take till he knows?
That too many women have died
the answer, my friend, is not blowing in thewind
the answer is not blowing in the wind
Time has come women- stand up and speak
Time has come women – rise up and strike
Lyrics adapted from Bob. Dylan in 2012
Shamila blogs at ablewomen.wordpress.com
HerSpace Sri Lanka 